Portage Fire Chief Tom Fieffer addressed the Portage Exchange Club during October, Fire Prevention Month. He shared many interesting facts about the history of the fire department and tips on fire safety and prevention.
Fieffer said, “In 1925, President Calvin Coolidge declared that the week containing October 9 would be Fire Prevention Week as a reminder of the importance of fire safety.”
Coolidge selected October 9 because it was the date of the Great Chicago Fire in 1871. In a 27-hour period fire killed hundreds and destroyed about 17,450 buildings. The fire was one of the largest U.S. disasters of the 19th century.
Most people have heard of that fire, but many do not know that just the night before, one of the worst recorded fires in North American history raged through northeastern Wisconsin and northwestern Michigan.
“On Sunday, October 8, 1871, fire leveled a broad swath of Michigan and Wisconsin, including the cities of Peshtigo, Holland, Manistee and Port Huron. At least 1,200 people - possibly twice as many - died as a result of that fire,” Fieffer said.
“Some good came out of these two disasters, though. There was a big change in the way homes and buildings were constructed to prevent such destruction.”
One of the ways the Portage Fire Department attempts to prevent fires is to talk to all elementary students about fire safety in October. The annual three-week process includes all the elementary schools and has age-appropriate presentations for each grade level.
“We get to eat lunch with the kids,” Fieffer said. “We sit with them and talk with them and serve as role models. All the firefighters enjoy doing that. By the time they get to fifth grade, they’ve had five or six presentation and have learned a lot.”
Fieffer reminded the audience that the weekend of Halloween is also the weekend to change the clock back. This is the perfect time to check all fire/smoke alarms in your home and change the batteries.
“If you do not have an alarm, call the Fire Department and we will come and install one for you, but remember that one is not enough in a residence.”
Another community service of the department is handing out glow sticks on Halloween. Last year they handed out 2000 sticks.
“We just want to make sure that every child is visible during the Trick or Treat times,” the chief said.
Fieffer’s final word of advice was to connect to SMART911. SMART911 is a free nationwide service that enhances communication and emergency response. There are instructions on the website to assist those wishing to sign up.