As Fire Prevention Week approaches, the Voorhees Township Fire Department reminds residents that “Fire won’t wait. Plan your escape.”

Since 1922, National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) has sponsored the public observance of Fire Prevention Week. In 1925, President Calvin Coolidge proclaimed Fire Prevention Week a national observance, making it the longest-running public health observance in our country.  This year we are celebrating its 100^th anniversary. During Fire Prevention Week, firefighters provide lifesaving public education in an effort to drastically decrease casualties caused by fires.

Fire Prevention Week is observed each year during the week of October 9th in commemoration of the Great Chicago Fire which began on October 8, 1871 and caused devastating damage. This horrific blaze killed more than 250 people, left 100,000 homeless, destroyed more than 17,400 structures and burned more than 2,000 acres of land.

Voorhees Township’s Annual Fire Prevention Awareness Night will be held on Wednesday, Oct. 12 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Eastern Regional High School.  All are invited to learn fire safety and enjoy the free fun-filled evening that has become a Voorhees tradition.

Activities will include demonstrations from our firefighters, games, bounce houses, a photo booth, hot dogs and cotton candy.  Children can try the fire safety obstacle course and the safety trailer (smokehouse). Fire apparatus will be present for kids of all ages to explore. There will also be giveaways from local businesses and our Voorhees Township Fire Department.

The Voorhees Township Fire Department strongly encourages every home to have a fire escape plan and offers the following tips:

• Make sure your plan meets the needs of all your family members, including those with sensory or physical disabilities.
• Smoke alarms should be installed inside every sleeping room, outside each separate sleeping area, and on every level of your home. Smoke alarms should be the sealed 10- year battery type or hardwired with a battery backup and tested at least twice a year (change your clocks, change your batteries)
• Know at least two ways out of every room, if possible. Make sure all doors and windows open easily.
• Have an outside meeting place a safe distance from your home for family members to gather in the event of a fire.
• Practice your home fire drill at least twice a year with everyone in the household, including guests. Practice at least once during the day and at night.

For more information, see the Voorhees Township Fire Department Website vtfd66.org, their Facebook page or visit helpdesk@vtfd66.org or call (856) 783- 6630 extension 7503.

** The Lions Gate Susan Love Family Golf Classic will be on Sunday, Sept.18 from 11am-3pm rain or shine at Golf Land. For more information, contact Lisa Goldwasser at lgoldwasser@lionsgateccrc.org.

** The Voorhees Business Association will hold its Annual Bowling Fundraiser on Sept. 23 from 6pm-8pm at the Big Event, 1536 Kings Hwy North, Cherry Hill.  Proceeds benefit the Voorhees Township Police Holiday Fund.  For more information, contact Lisa Goldwasser at lgoldwasser@lionsgateccrc.org.

** The Voorhees Animal Orphanage (VAO) will hold its 26th Annual Woofstock Festival on Saturday, Sept. 24, from 11am-4 pm at the Voorhees Town Center (rain date is Sunday, Sept. 25). It is the biggest fundraising event of the year for the Animal Orphanage. This year, the Camden County Commissioners are again partnering in the event. For more information about Woofstock or the Animal Orphanage, visit theanimalorphanage.org or vaonj.org/woofstock.

** The Voorhees Breakfast Rotary Club is hosting a fundraiser on Oct. 1 from 10am-2pm at Golf Land. There will be 18 holes of pitch and putt golf or mini golf, food, refreshments, prizes and games. Tickets and sponsorships are available. For more details, please call John Conners at 856-261-8738 or go to portal.clubrunner.ca/5137/page/second-annual-almost-masters-pitch-and-putt-minigolf-event.

** The Animal Welfare Association of Voorhees is hosting “Puptoberfest” on Saturday, Oct. 1 from 3pm-8pm at the AWA’s Adoption & Education Center, 509 Centennial Blvd.  For more information about this fundraiser, visit awanj.org or contact Meggin Olivo at meggino@awanj.org;  (856) 424-2288 x113.

** The Alicia Rose Victorious Foundation is excited to return to in-person events with its 20th Anniversary Emerald Ball on Friday, Oct. 21 at Lucien’s Manor.  The ARVF is celebrating its 20^th year of caring. In 2021, ARVF supported over 65 hospitals nationwide with Victorious 4 Teens programs for hospitalized teens battling cancer and other life-threatening illnesses.  They funded over $150,000 in grants supporting 68 Teen Lounges, 48 Alicia’s Art Carts and sending 2,000 Teen Kits & Bandana Pillows! For more information, visit victoriousfoundation.org.