By Illinois Radio Network

SPRINGFIELD – Gov. J.B. Pritzker has proclaimed this week as Illinois Fire Prevention week, marking the 148th anniversary of the Great Chicago Fire in 1871 and providing state fire officials with the opportunity to remind all Illinoisans about preventing residential fires.

The Office of the State Fire Marshal is encouraging residents to “learn, prepare, and practice for fire emergencies.” This year’s Fire Prevention Week theme is “Not Every Hero Wears A Cape. Plan and Practice your Escape.”

State Fire Marshal spokesman JC Fultz said families should take time this week to practice a fire drill at home.

“Seconds can mean the difference between life and death,” the State Fire Marshal’s office said. “It is imperative to have an escape plan in place for your home.”

As part of a fire plan, Fultz recommended figuring out two exits from every room. He also said families should “designate a meeting spot outside of the home, so that if there is an emergency in the house, everybody knows where to meet.”

Fultz also has other reminders of things to do in the event of a fire. Some are simple.

“Close doors behind you as you leave, to help the spread of smoke and fire,” he said

Another important thing to do every night is to “close before you doze,” he said. Closing a bedroom door at night can help delay the spread of a fire that happens while people are asleep.

Finally, Fultz said if your home catches fire, “once you’re outside, stay outside.”

As part of Fire Prevention Week, the State Fire Marshal’s office said local firefighters will be visiting schools throughout Illinois to remind students of the importance of fire safety.

According to statistics provided by the Illinois Fire Marshal, last year there were over 15,500 residential fires in Illinois. They also reported that according to local fire department numbers, there were 105 residential civilian fire deaths.

“Holding a family meeting and coming up with a plan is vital to creating a fire-safe home,” Illinois State Fire Marshal Matt Perez said in a statement. “This October, please encourage the residents in your communities to practice their plan by holding a fire drill at home. Make sure family members know two exits out of every room and where the designated meeting spot is located outside of the home. Plan another drill in the year to serve as a reminder and refresher.”

It is also Nation Fire Safety Week. The National Fire Protection Association offered a number of tips:

• Draw a map of your home that clearly identifies pathways to two exits.
• Practice your home fire drill twice a year – one at night and one during the day – with everyone in the family.
• Teach children how to escape on their own in case you can’t help them.
• Clearly mark your home so fire departments and first responders can find it easily.
• Close doors behind you as you leave to slow the spread of smoke and fire.
• Once you get outside, stay outside. Never go back inside a burning building.

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