Public Safety Director's Spotlight - 2014 Fire Prevention Month

 

Fire Prevention Month

Traditionally, October is National Fire Prevention Month, with many departments across the country designating one week during the month as Fire Prevention Week.  Sponsored by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), Fire Prevention Month has roots that date back to The Great Chicago Fire of 1871 that killed more than 250 people and left more than 100,000 homeless. This year, National Fire Prevention Week will be observed from Sunday, Oct. 5 through Saturday, Oct. 11.  The focus of the week (and the month) is to promote fire safety and prevention.  However, everyone should practice fire safety throughout the year.  Many potential fire hazards go undetected because people simply do not take steps to fireproof their home.

I encourage you to take a few moments this month to go over basic fire safety tips such as:

• Install and maintain a working smoke alarm outside of every sleep area and remember to change the battery at least once a year.
• Designate two escape routes from each bedroom and practice them regularly.
• Teach everyone the "Stop, Drop, and Roll" technique in case clothing catches on fire.
• Teach kids that matches, lighters and candles are tools, not toys and should be stored in a secure drawer or cabinet.

Upcoming Events

Oct. 4 - 5 -- Best of Missouri Market, Missouri Botanical Garden, 6 p.m.

The Best of Missouri Market & More will take place this weekend at the Missouri Botanical Garden, 4344 Shaw Blvd.  Visitors will be able to shop more than 30 vendors and 120 outstanding food producers and artisans, plus enjoy entertainment for the entire family.  Stop by between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. For more information, visit the missouribotanicalgarden.org web site.

Oct. 4 -- Yard Sale, Corner of Switzer and Goodfellow, 9 a.m.

Everyone is invited to stop by the Yard Sale this Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 6050 Goodfellow (at Switzer).  The event is being sponsored by the NOM Victim Support Group and will help raise money for residents in North Pointe and Walnut Park that are victims of crimes.  Need more information?  Call (314) 382-2122.

Oct. 4 - Grove Fest 2014, Manchester Avenue between Kingshighway and Vandeventer, 2 p.m.

Everyone is invited to stop by Grove Fest this Saturday from 2 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Manchester Avenue between Tower Grove and Sarah.  Visitors can expect a variety of music, art, fashion, street performers plus local food, drinks and wares. Visit thegrovestl.com for more details.

Oct. 4 & 5 -- Historic Shaw Art Fair, 4100 Flora Place, 9 a.m.

Located on the beautiful tree lined parkway of Flora Place at Tower Grove Avenue, the Historic Shaw Art Fair is the premier fine arts and fine crafts fair in the City of St. Louis.  The lovely urban location, food court, great music and fabulous art all add up to a fantastic visitor experience.  Stop by from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. both Saturday and Sunday.  To learn more, visit the shawstlouis.org web site.

Oct. 4 -- Taste of Benton Park Festival, Arsenal and South Jefferson, 10 a.m.

The Taste of Benton Park Festival will take place this Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. in Benton Park, 3100 S. Jefferson Avenue.  Visitors will be able to stop by a food tent with samples from 13 local restaurants, as well as a wine and beer booth, chalk art, live music and more.  For all the details, visit the bpnastl.org web site.

Oct. 5 -- Remembering Maya Angelou, Missouri History Museum, 4 p.m.

The Missouri History Museum will honor the works of literary legend and St. Louisan Maya Angelou this Sunday, at 4 p.m. in the Lee Auditorium at the Museum, 5700 Lindell Blvd.  Questions?  Call (314) 746-4599.

Oct. 5 -- First Annual Chain of Rocks Community Association Oktoberfest, North Riverfront Park, Noon

The Chain of Rocks Community Association (CoRCA) will hold an Oktoberfest & Classic Car Cruise this Sunday from Noon until 4 p.m. at the lake in North Riverfront Park (Riverview Drive & Spring Garden Drive).  Preview plans for new town homes, see park plans, visit booths and enjoy hot dogs and brats at the riverside park.  Call (314) 566-9104 for more information.

Oct. 5 -- Polish Heritage Month Celebration, PNA Sports Club, Noon

Celebrate Polish Heritage Month this Sunday from Noon to 5 p.m. at PNA Sports Club, 3606 Bates Avenue (at Grand).  Enjoy authentic Polish dinners including stuffed cabbage, pierogi, kapusta and more.  Eat in or carry out.  For info, call John at (636) 938-4641.

Save the Date

Oct. 10 –12 –Soulard Oktoberfest, Third Street & Lafayette, 4 p.m.

Oct. 12 -- The Great GO! St. Louis Halloween Race, Soldiers' Memorial Park, 7 a.m.

Promoting Your Neighborhood Activities

Is there a neighborhood event on the schedule that you would like noted in the Spotlight?  If so, you may email the information about it to me at GrayR@stlouis-mo.gov or to Cathy Smentkowski at smentkowskic@stlouis-mo.gov for consideration.  You may also post it on the City's Calendar of Events on the City's web site:  http://stlouis-mo.gov.  The link to submit an event is at the very bottom of the home page.  The listing is free.  I encourage you to take advantage of this free way to promote your event.

Col. Richard Gray

Director of Public Safety

City of St. Louis