The Goddard School kicks off National Fire Prevention Month October 3, 2007

People in the United States today are too young to know that October 8th is a day of remembrance, referring to a catastrophic event that rocked America back in 1871. During the days of October 8, 9, and 10 of that year, all attention became focused on the calamity that is known today as the Great Chicago Fire – great because of the dramatic nature and extent of the devastation. The fire, fueled by a gale-force wind and the wooden construction of most buildings of the era, killed over 300 people, leveled 4 miles of the city, consumed about 17,500 buildings, resulted in property damages of $192 million, left about 100,000 people homeless and sparked the urban-legend about Mrs. O'Leary and her cow.

Now, every year, firefighters throughout the U.S. observe the second week of October as Fire Prevention Week, and the entire month is proclaimed as National Fire Prevention Month. This is a time when firefighters spend a lot of time providing local school children and their parents with information about fire safety and fire prevention awareness — not only for schools, but for their homes and community.

Volunteer personnel from the Toms River engine companies will visit The Goddard School on Route 70 (just 1/8 mile west of Whitesville Road) on Wednesday, October 3rd, at 10:00 AM, in memory of the Chicago event. This annual visit intends to engage Ms. Dana Chibbaro (CQ) and her pre-school students in fire-safety lessons and activities. Of course, the firefighters also bring along their classic big, red truck and fire-fighting apparatus to highlight the demonstrations.

Official Website: http://www.GoddardSchool.com//Schools/Toms-River-II-NJ/Schools.gspx