Have two ways out when it comes to fire prevention Published Sept. 19, 2012 By Goodfellow Fire Emergency Services 17th Civil Engineer Squadron GOODFELLOW AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- Consider, if you woke up to a fire in your home, how much time do you think you would have to get to safety? According to the National Fire Protection Association, one-third of American households surveyed estimate they would have at least six minutes before a fire in their home would become life threatening. Unfortunately, the time available is often much less. That's why the Goodfellow Fire Emergency Services is teaming up with NFPA during Fire Prevention Week, Oct. 7 to 13, 2012, to urge residents to "Have Two Ways Out!" This year's theme focuses on the importance of fire escape planning and practice. Based on an NFPA survey, "One residential structure fire was reported every 85 seconds in 2010," says Chief Glenn Haffner, 17th Civil Engineer Squadron Assistant Chief for Fire Prevention. "Fire is unpredictable and moves faster than most people realize. Having a tried and true escape plan with two ways out essential to ensuring your family's safety should fire break out in your home." "Many people don't realize that they are at greater danger from fire at home than anywhere else," says Jason Garcia, 17th Civil Engineer Squadron Fire Inspector/Public Education Specialist. "Fortunately, there are many things every individual can do to reduce the hazards and make their residences a safer place". Goodfellow Fire Emergency Services recommends the following tips for planning your family's escape: · Make a map of your home. Mark a door and a window that can be used to get out of every room. · Choose a meeting place outside in front of your home. This is where everyone can meet once they've escaped. Draw a picture of your outside meeting place on your escape plan. · Write the emergency telephone number for the fire department on your escape plan. · Have an adult sound the smoke alarm and practice your escape plan with everyone living in your home. · Keep your escape plan on the refrigerator and remind adults to have your family practice the plan twice a year or whenever anyone in your home celebrates a birthday. Fire Prevention Week is the time when we reach out to our community through educational forums and family-oriented activities, residents can learn more about the importance of fire escape planning and how to better protect their loved ones from fire. Fire Prevention Week commemorates the Great Chicago Fire of October 1871, a two-day blaze that killed more than 250 people, left 100,000 more homeless and destroyed more than 17,000 buildings. "That tragedy inspired reform across America, spurring new fire safety codes and public awareness campaigns," said Garcia. "Each year, the President of the United States, along with the National Fire Protection Association, declares the second week of Oct. Fire Prevention Week." According to Haffner, even though Fire Prevention Week is an event recognized each October, fire safety and prevention should be a constant thought and practiced year round. It could save your life! 2012 Fire Prevention Week Activities Oct 09: (08:30 a.m.-10:00 a.m.) Fire truck visit with Sparky to Child Development Center, Building 906 (11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.) Fire Prevention Education team with Sparky at Base Exchange Oct 10: (11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.) Fire Prevention Education team with Sparky at Base Exchange. (4:00 p.m.-5:30 p.m.) Mobile Safety House, Fire Truck visit with Sparky at Building 927, (School Age Program Center) and Building 915, (Youth Center) Oct 11: (11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.) Fire Prevention Education team with Mobile Safety House at Base Exchange Oct 12: (9:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m.) Fire Station Open House (9:00 a.m.-1:30 p.m.) Firefighter Competition Muster behind the Fire Station Oct 13: (10:00 a.m.) Fire Truck Parade through Concho Pearl area on base (11:00 a.m.) Fire Truck Parade through Rio Concho housing area off base For more information, call the Fire Prevention Section at (325) 654-3539 or (325) 654-5577
