Photo By Charles Haymond | Corey Harrison, 55th Civil Engineer Squadron firefighter, inspects water and foam fire extinguishers Sept. 19, 2019, inside the main fire station at Offutt Air Force Base, Nebraska. The Offutt Fire Department is teaming up with the National Fire Protection Association for this year’s Fire Prevention Week campaign held Oct. 6-12, 2019. (U.S. Air Force photo by Charles J. Haymond)
OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE, NE, UNITED STATES
09.26.2019
Story by Charles Haymond
55th Wing Public Affairs
In an effort to encourage Offutt community awareness of fire prevention, the Offutt Fire Department is teaming up with the National Fire Protection Association for this year’s Fire Prevention Week campaign held Oct. 6-12, 2019.
Fire Prevention Week originated as a result of a massive Chicago fire that occurred on Oct. 8, 1871. This horrific tragedy claimed the lives of more than 250 people. It also left 100, 000 people homeless, ruined 174,000 structures and burned more than 2,000 acres.
This prompted public officials and firefighters to disseminate information about the importance of fire safety to the public on the anniversary of this massacre. In 1920, President Woodrow Wilson declared a proclamation that observes the Sunday prior to October 9 through the following Saturday as Fire Prevention Week.
“From 2012-2016 U.S. fire departments responded to an estimated 8,200 home structure fires that were started by candles per year,” said David Eblin, 55th Civil Engineer Squadron fire chief. “These fires caused an annual average of 80 deaths, 770 injuries and 264 million in direct property damage.”
This year’s theme is “Not every hero wears a cape. Plan and practice your escape!”
Eblin emphasized that it is imperative for families to develop escape plans in case of house fires.
“The time to discuss fires in the home is before they happen,” Eblin said. Once a fire breaks out it is not uncommon for people to panic, escape is all about preplanning and frank discussion prior to the fire event.”
Many events are planned for this year’s Fire Prevention Week. Offutt Exchange will have static displays with brochures and demonstrations Oct. 7-11. There will also be tours at local elementary schools, fire drills the child, and youth development centers. The Fire department will host an Open House at the main fire house Oct. 12 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The NFPA website provides the following advice to help protect your family in the event of a house fire:
• Draw a map of your home. Show all doors and windows.
• Visit each room. Find two ways out.
• All windows and doors should open easily. You should be able to use them to get outside.
• Make sure your home has smoke alarms. Push the test button to make sure each alarm is working.
• Pick a meeting place outside. It should be in front of your home. Everyone will meet at the meeting place.
• Make sure your house or building number can be seen from the street.
• Talk about your plan with everyone in your home.
• Learn the emergency phone number for your fire department.
• Practice your home fire drill!
• Make your own home fire escape plan
Eblin added that fire prevention is something that should be practiced year round.
“Do a monthly inspection of your home, and keep a critical eye open for any hazards, such as combustibles too close to heat producing appliances/devices,” Eblin said. “Check and test your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.”
