Passing the torch of fire prevention

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Siuta B. Ika
  • 49th Wing Public Affairs
HOLLOMAN AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. --  The 49th Civil Engineer Squadron Fire Protection Flight observed national Fire Prevention Week Oct. 3 through 9 with various activities surrounding this year's theme -- "Beep, Beep, Beep ... Smoke detectors -- a sound you can live with."

The flight kicked off activities with a carnival at the Youth and Teen Center, where children played various games for prizes and enjoyed free food. The week continued with fire extinguisher and fire equipment demonstrations at the Shoppette, Base Exchange and other locations on base. Fire evacuation drills were also administered at all of the Holloman schools as well as at select squadrons around base.

The overall goal of the week was to promote fire safety, awareness and prevention.

"Every year we try to educate people on fire safety and make sure they are aware of fire prevention," said Harvey Stevens, assistant chief of Fire Prevention. "This is a good way to keep people educated and keep them aware of fire safety procedures."

Although a number of the activities were for the base populous, the Fire Protection Flight placed an emphasis on teaching children about fire safety.

"We do lectures and training all over the base, but we try to focus on the children. My theory is that if we can get to the kids, they'll take what they learned back home to their parents," said Terry Muller, 49th CES fire inspector. "We also took the fire truck out to the schools to show the kids what the different equipment does, and what a fireman looks like in full gear so that they won't be scared if they're ever in a situation where a fireman rescues them."

To emphasize the importance of fire safety and prevention, Sparky the fire dog visited the base to greet people at the front gate, talk to children at the different schools and make appearances at different locations around base.

Mr. Muller said they enjoyed getting out and interacting with the base community, because of all the information on fire safety and prevention they were able to present.

"This is one of our only times we get to go out to the community to let them know what their fire department does, how they do it and what to do in case of a fire," said Mr. Muller. "We only get a week to spread the word on fire prevention but it's something people really need to be aware of."

Mr. Muller added that for the other 51 weeks of the year, people need to be aware of their surroundings when dealing with something that could potentially cause a fire or cause injury. He also stated the importance of checking your smoke detector -- at least twice a year -- for dead batteries.

For more information on Fire Prevention, contact the 49th CES's Fire Station at 575-572-7782.