SCHRIEVER AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. -- The Schriever Air Force Base Fire Department is teaming up with the National Fire Protection Association to promote Fire Prevention Week Oct. 6-12 through a variety of base and community educational events.
This year’s campaign theme, Not Every Hero Wears a Cape. Plan and Practice Your Escape!, focuses on bringing awareness to the small, but important actions people can take to keep themselves and those around them safe.
Statistics from NFPA show that U.S. fire departments responded to 357,000 home structure fires in 2017. These fires caused 2,630 fire-related deaths and 10,600 fire-related injuries. On average, seven people died in a home fire per day during 2012 to 2016.
“These numbers show that home fires continue to pose a significant threat to safety,” said Lorraine Carli, NFPA vice president of outreach and advocacy. “In a typical home fire, you may have as little as one to two minutes to escape safely from the time the smoke alarm sounds. Escape planning and practice can help you make the most of the time you have, giving everyone enough time to get out.”
Though NFPA and the Schriever AFB Fire Department are primarily focusing on home fires, the messages can apply to any location.
“Situational awareness is a skill people need to use wherever they go,” said Brad Truver, Schriever AFB Fire Department assistant chief of fire prevention. “No matter where you are, look for available exits. If the alarm system sounds, take it seriously and exit the building immediately.”
The Schriever AFB Fire Department is scheduled to host a series of events in support of this year’s campaign:
- Presentation at 9 a.m. Oct. 7 at the Ellicott Elementary School in Ellicott, Colorado.
- Information fire and safety display 11 a.m. – 12 p.m. Oct. 9 at the Missile Defense Agency, Schriever AFB.
- Presentation at 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. Oct. 10 at the Ellicott Pre-K School with Sparky the Fire Dog.
- Information fire and safety display 11 a.m.-12 p.m. Oct. 10 at the Satellite Dish dining facility, Schriever AFB.
- Fire safety activities 9 a.m. Oct. 11 at the Schriever AFB Child Development Center.
- Fire department open house 4-6 p.m. Oct. 11 at the Tierra Vista Community Center, Schriever AFB housing area.
To learn more about Fire Prevention Week programs and activities at Schriever AFB, please contact the fire department at 567-3370. For more general information about Fire Prevention Week and home escape planning, visit www.fpw.org.