This week marks the National Fire Protection Association's (NFPA) 98th year of publicly observing Fire Prevention Week. President Calvin Coolidge declared Fire Prevention Week a national observance in 1925, which gives it the title of the longest-running public health observance in the United States. The week entails teachers, adults and children learning how to stay safe in situations involving a fire.

The role of firefighters in communities is of obvious importance to all. This week the local heroes come together to assure their community is safe by providing lifesaving education to the public in hopes to prevent fire casualties.

Fire Prevention Week is observed annually during the week of Oct. 9. This date was chosen due to it being the date of the Great Chicago Fire, which rose on Oct. 8, 1871 and was one of the first mass fire casualties of its kind. Horrifying statistics of the fire include 250 killed, 100,000 left homeless and the destruction of over 17,400 structures, burning upwards of 2,000 acres of land.

The Great Chicago Fire is now something seen seemingly regularly on the West Coast, with devastating numbers being of regular declaration for many. The Midwest has frightening conditions of its own to worry about thanks to widespread drought and harvest season hazards. Accordingly, Fire Prevention Week couldn't be more timely.

Royal Fire Chief Matt Goyette does not take this week's importance lightly.

"It is important to have these conversations with kids," he said. "Have a plan, talk about the plan. During a fire is not the time to have these conversations."

Everly's Fire Chief Brian Kahl reiterated Goyette's sentiments.

"This week is for us as firefighters to remind people that we are here and to give the community information on how to prevent and extinguish fires when and if necessary," he said. "We are in the middle of harvest so reminding the farmers to be sure to have up-to-date fire extinguishers, clean out their combines and equipment, as well as making sure children and the general public are aware that they should be doing the same within their home, is important too."

Everly and Royal's Fire Departments are involved within their communities whenever possible, including their annual visit at Clay Central/Everly Elementary.

"Royal and Everly meet with the grade school kids each year," Goyette said. "Royal meets with the younger kids and Everly meets with the older kids in grade school. We talk about checking smoke alarms, having two ways out, and sleeping with your door closed."

Kahl noted it's important for kids to know how to work a fire extinguisher and remind their parents they need to regularly examine fire extinguishers, check smoke alarms and make sure their family has an escape route planned. Goyette urged the public that it is a parent responsibility to have these conversations with their children.

"Have a meeting spot, explain to them that if the smoke alarm goes off or if they see a fire to get out and stay out," he said.

The two fire chiefs listed a few examples of what the public should be doing in their home, farm sheds, shops and farm equipment

• Change smoke alarm batteries.

• Check fire extinguishers.

• Make an escape plan, noting escape exits, rules and meeting spot and make sure to discuss this with all residents of home/office, especially children.

• Check carbon monoxide detectors.

• Check and clean clothes dryer vents.

• Make sure furnace is clean and working well.

• Clean out and maintain updated farm equipment and sheds.

Kahl noted that local fire safety support is available.

"We received a grant from the state fire marshal and have smoke alarms to give out. If you need a smoke alarm just give us a call," he said. "We also have the ability to fill your fire extinguisher if you are unable to get it filled at Spencer Fire."

Goyette would like the public to be aware of the National Fire Protection Association's website, nfpa.org.

IESHA TOFT/SENTINEL-NEWS

CC/E's third grade class in front of the Royal Fire Department's fire engine.

"If you have trouble talking or would like more talking points to discuss with your children this website can help," he said.

Both the Everly and Royal fire departments are volunteer squads that run off community support.

"We appreciate support from our small communities, without them we couldn't be doing what we do now," Kahl said. "The appreciation and support shown to us by our communities is just outrageous. We are thankful for all of it."