The Philadelphia Fire Department is ready to kick off Fire Prevention Week with a slate of events and educational opportunities.

The annual national observance, which runs from October 7-13, is pegged to the anniversary of the Great Chicago Fire of 1871, which killed about 300 people and destroyed more than 17,000 buildings.

There are many simple ways to practice fire safety in your everyday life. One of the most important things you can do is to close your bedroom door at night — because it could save your life. During a fire, closed doors lessen the impact of toxic smoke and heat; it can be about 900 degrees cooler behind a closed door. So don’t forget to “Close Before You Doze.”

Also, be sure to check your smoke alarms. If they are more than 10 years old — or if you don’t have them — please put in a request with Philly 311. The Fire Department will come and install them for free.

Fire Prevention Week Events

PECO Crown Lights

Monday, Oct. 8 through Wednesday, Oct. 10

23rd & Market streets

Take a peek at the PECO Crown Lights atop the company’s building at 23rd & Market streets. You should see our message: “It’s Fire Prevention Week! Call 311 to get free smoke alarms installed.”

SEPTA Fire Safety Posters

Tuesday, Oct. 9 | 10 a.m.

Ladder 2 / Medic 44 / Battalion 4, 4th & Arch Streets

Fire Commissioner Adam K. Thiel and SEPTA Assistant General Manager of System Safety James Fox will be joined by students from the Philadelphia Holy Redeemer Chinese Catholic School to place the first of 2,000 fire prevention car cards on a SEPTA bus. This year’s theme — “STOP STOVE FIRES” — aims to make Philadelphians aware of cooking hazards.

Fire Prevention Week Proclamation & Firefighter of the Year

Tuesday, Oct. 9 | 1 p.m.

Fireman’s Hall Museum, 147 N. 2nd St.

Mayor Jim Kenney will issue a proclamation for Fire Prevention Week, and the PFD will recognize the Firefighter of the Year.

Citywide Fire Drill

Thursday, Oct. 11 | 6 p.m.

5600 block of Carpenter Street

The Fire Department will conduct a drill at 6 p.m. at the home of the Bright/Faulkner family, who will use their practiced home escape plan to evacuate the house while Engine 68 and Ladder 13 engage in a simulated response to the “fire.” At 7:30 p.m., fire apparatus sirens throughout the city will sound to indicate the start of the citywide fire drill. All Philadelphians are urged to participate by testing their home escape plans — residents should know two ways out of their home in case of an emergency.