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Fire Prevention Week slated for Oct. 7 - 13 It all started  Oct. 9, 1911, on the 40th anniversary of the “Great Chicago Fire of 1871,” a disaster that killed 250 people and destroyed 17,430 buildings at a cost of $168 million.   Fire Prevention Day  was started by the Fire Marshals Association of North America, which is part of the National Fire Protection Association, and was first proclaimed by President Woodrow Wilson on the 40th anniversary of the Chicago blaze.   In 1992, on the recommendation of a member of NFPA and a unanimous vote of the membership at the association’s annual meeting , the fire safety observance was extended to cover the entire week to include the  Oct. 9 anniversary date.     NFPA continues to be the international sponsor of Fire Prevention Week, which is the Sunday-through-Saturday period during which the Oct. 9 anniversary date falls. What MUSC is doing Tuesday, Oct.  9, 9  to 11 a.m., Children’s Hospital lobby—Fire and burn prevention display. Thursday, Oct. 11—Fire prevention presentation to second graders at North Charleston Elementary. Representatives will participate in local fire departments displays and activities. Burn safety tips from MUSC Children’s Hospital Pediatric Burn Center Know what you are burning. Do not burn any containers which may be pressurized or contain chemicals or hazardous materials. Gasoline should not be used to start an  open fire. The maximum temperature of your home water heater should not be set higher than 120°F. Water in a child’s bath should not be higher than 104°F. Before placing a child in the bathtub, check water temperature by moving your hand through the water for a few seconds. When toddlers are in the home, avoid using a tablecloth at meal times. Turn pot handles toward the rear of the stove. Keep matches out of the reach of children. Using a baby bottle warmer provides a safer alternative then the use of a microwave. Keep appliance cords away from the edge of counters and disconnect appliances when not in use. Store all detergents, cleaning agents and other chemicals in their original containers and out of children’s reach or in a locked cabinet. Keep clear of downed power lines. The family should develop a fire escape plan and practice the plan regularly. Place smoke detectors with working batteries in every room, hallways, and at the top of stairways.     Friday, Oct. 5, 2007 Catalyst Online is published weekly, updated as needed and improved from time to time by the MUSC Office of Public Relations for the faculty, employees and students of the Medical University of South Carolina. Catalyst Online editor, Kim Draughn, can be reached at 792-4107 or by email, catalyst@musc.edu. Editorial copy can be submitted to Catalyst Online and to The Catalyst in print by fax, 792-6723, or by email to catalyst@musc.edu. To place an ad in The Catalyst hardcopy, call Island Publications at 849-1778, ext. 201.