Fire prevention week 2012 Published Oct. 2, 2012 By Keesler fire department KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. -- Fire Prevention Week was established to commemorate the Great Chicago Fire, the 1871 tragedy that killed more than 250 people, left 100,000 homeless, destroyed more than 17,400 structures and burned more than 2,000 acres. The fire began Oct. 8, but did most of the damage Oct. 9, 1871. According to popular legend, the fire broke out after a cow-belonging to Mrs. Catherine O'Leary-kicked over a lamp, setting first the barn, then the whole city on fire. In 1920, President Woodrow Wilson issued the first National Fire Prevention Day proclamation, and since 1922, Fire Prevention Week has been observed on the Sunday through Saturday period in which Oct. 9 falls. Fire Prevention Week is the longest-running public health and safety observation on record. This year's event is Oct. 7-13 and the theme is "Have 2 Ways Out." The theme is centered around getting out of the home in the event of a fire or emergency, by knowing which exit to take. In your home you should practice a fire drill at least twice a year. Ensure that your smoke detector is used to sound the alarm. Make drills realistic by pretending one of the escape routes is blocked by smoke or fire. Here are some tips that could help you prepare for a fire: * Teach every member of your household to recognize the sound of your smoke alarm. * Have everyone in your home memorize 911. You should call from a neighbor's phone or a cell phone once you've evacuated. Using the cell phone will go directly to Biloxi 911 exchange. Let the 911 operator know that you are on Keesler's property. Give name, telephone and housing area. You will be transferred to Keesler's 911 operator. Give the same information and nature of fire. Do not hang up until told to do so. * Teach everyone in your household how to unlock and open all windows and doors. * Keep stairways and exits clear and free from clutter. * Draw a floor plan of your home. Show two ways out of each room. Discuss escape routes with everyone in the home. Agree on a meeting place outside where everyone will gather once you've evacuated. The proper distance is 75 ft away from the home. The Keesler Fire Department will be hosting many activities and visits during Fire Prevention Week including an open house for all base personnel and their families Oct. 13, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. There will be fire truck rides and demonstrations, games, door prizes, free hot dogs, popcorn, drinks and a tour through the fire safety house. The fire department is located at the west end of Hangar Rd. Remember all fires on Keesler property must be reported by dialing 911. You can survive a fire in your home if you plan and practice your escape and "Have 2 Ways Out." For more information call 228-377-3330/3333.