BY DONALD JAY HOWTON WESTERN STAR STAFF
The Bessemer Fire Department has been busy making plans for the observance of National Fire Prevention Month. October is National Fire Prevention Month. National Fire Prevention Week is Oct. 4-10.
The theme for this year’s observance is “Charge into Fire Safety: Safe Charging Is a Superpower.”
Fire prevention awareness is critical for the protection of individuals, families, homes, businesses and the entire community.
“Bessemer residents are encouraged to practice safe cooking, heating, good electrical habits, keep smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors in working condition and maintain clear hallways, stairways and emergency exits,” said Bessemer Fire Lt. Marcus Lawyer.
The Bessemer Fire Department is planning an event in DeBardeleben Park for mid- to late October. Co-sponsoring the event will be the Bessemer Area Chamber of Commerce.
Lt. Bobby Horn said, “The Bessemer Fire Department loves Fire Prevention Month because it gives us another opportunity to engage and enlighten the citizens of Bessemer about things they can do to stay safe and prevent fire-related accidents.”
Fire Prevention Week was established in 1925 by President Calvin Coolidge, who signed a proclamation making it a national observance. The month of October was selected in commemoration of the Great Chicago Fire that occurred in October 1871.
Capt. George Sampson, Frankie the Firefighter and Lt. Bobby Horn of the Bessemer Fire Department.