The New Fairfield Fire Marshal's Office is marking Fire Prevention Week October 9-15.  Officials say having a home escape plan  critical in an emergency, with families sometimes having  as little as two minutes to escape the from the time a fire alarm sounds.  Children, older adults, and people with disabilities may need assistance to wake up and get out safely. Smoke alarms are required in every bedroom, outside of sleeping areas, and on each level of the home.  Anyone who needs help setting up a home escape plan is encouraged to contact the New Fairfield Fire Marshal’s office at 203-312-5731.  The National Fire Protection Association has sponsored the public observance of Fire Prevention Week since 1922.  The national observance is the longest-running public health observance in the country. It's observed this particular week in commemoration of the Great Chicago Fire, which began on October 8th 1871, killing more than 250 people, leaving 100,000 homeless, destroying more than 17,400 structures, and burning more than 2,000 acres of land.