Rochester’s National Night Out and Fire Prevention Week will be hosted virtually, due to national concerns surrounding COVID-19 and per recommendations of the City of Rochester and planning partners. The virtual celebration will take place October 4-10, 2020.

Rochester’s National Night Out is an annual community-building campaign that promotes community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie to make our neighborhoods safer, more caring places to live.

National Night Out enhances the relationship between neighbors and law enforcement while bringing back a true sense of community. Traditionally celebrated the first Tuesday in August every year, this event was moved to October 6, 2020 in hopes that COVID-19 restrictions would be eased.

Rochester’s Fire Prevention Week is celebrated in commemoration of the Great Chicago Fire, which began on October 8, 1871, and caused devastating damage. This horrific conflagration killed more than 250 people, left 100,000 homeless, destroyed more than 17,400 structures, and burned more than 2,000 acres of land. In 1925, President Calvin Coolidge proclaimed Fire Prevention Week a national observance, making it the longest-running public health observance in our country. During Fire Prevention Week, children, adults, and teachers learn how to stay safe in case of a fire. Firefighters provide lifesaving public education in an effort to drastically decrease casualties caused by fires.

Messaging around community and police collaborations, and fire prevention tips will be shared in social media spotlights and webpages. Community service providers, family-friendly activities, and youth-serving agencies will be featured.

Visit www.rochesterpd.org and www.rochesternhfd.net for more information. For inquiries or to share a resource posting, contact: Nicole Rodler (RPD) at (603) 330-7149 or Adam Hughes (RFD) at (603) 330-7185