The importance of National Fire Prevention Week

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Joshua Edwards
  • 17th Training Wing Public Affairs
GOODFELLOW AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  San Angelo is currently in drought level three; the risks for a serious fire have in turn increased. It's important to know what to do in case a fire occurs, National Fire Prevention Week can help teach more about this.

National Fire Prevention Week starts Oct. 7 and ends Oct. 13. This week gives the fire service the opportunity to reach out to the community and educate its citizens how to prevent home fires and protect their families. This year's theme is "Have 2 Ways Out!" It reminds people to have two ways out of every building they're in, especially in homes, where most fires take place.

"The campaign is designed to educate people the importance of having a home fire escape plan that prepares your family to think fast and to evacuate quickly when the smoke alarm sounds," said Glenn Haffner, 17th Civil Engineer Squadron Assistant Chief for Fire Prevention. "What if your first escape route is blocked by smoke or flames? That's why having two ways out, is such a key part of your plan."

Most people don't think a fire will happen to them, yet according to data from the National Fire Protection Association, there were 1,389,500 fires reported in the nation during 2011 causing 3005 deaths, 17,500 injuries and a direct dollar loss exceeding $11 million.

"That's why it is so important to practice good fire safety by staying in the kitchen when cooking, not overloaded electrical outlets along with installing and maintaining smoke alarms," said Haffner.
Scheduled events for National Fire Prevention Week:

· Oct. 9 from 8:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. fire truck visit with Sparky, a Dalmatian-themed mascot, at the Child Development Center, Building 906.

· Oct. 9 and 10 from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Fire Prevention Education Team and Sparky at Base Exchange.

· Oct. 10 from 4:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Mobile Safety House and fire truck visit at School Age Program Center, Building 927, and the Youth Center, Building 915.

· Oct. 11 from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Fire Prevention Education Team and Mobile Safety House at the Base Exchange.

· Oct. 12 from 9:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Firefighter Competition Muster behind Fire Station. Event open to all Goodfellow Air Force Base affiliates. Must be in a team of four and limit of two teams per shop. Events during competition are ladder climb, extinguisher carry, bucket brigade, dummy drag, hose pull, hose roll, confined space and sledge hammer. Some events may change.

· Oct. 12 from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Fire Station will have an open house. Open house has tour, snacks, a giveaway drawling and Sparky.

· Oct. 13 at 10:00 a.m. fire truck parade through the Concho Pearl area on base. Up to 10 fire trucks from various fire departments.

· Oct. 13 at 11:00 a.m. fire truck parade through Rio Concho housing area off base.

For more information on fire safety or to register for the Firefighter Muster, please contact Jason Garcia, 17th Civil Engineer Fire Prevention, or Glenn Haffner at 654-5577.