McConnell observes National Fire Prevention Week

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Maurice A. Hodges
  • 22nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan. --  Oct. 6 through 12 is National Fire Prevention Week, and the McConnell Fire Department is highlighting it throughout the month with different events.

This year's theme is "Prevent Kitchen Fires," because more fires start in the kitchen than in any other part of the home, according to the National Fire Protection Association.

"This is not an annual program, it is an everyday thing," said Stephen Patch, 22nd Civil Engineer Squadron fire prevention assistant chief. "Fire prevention does not stop on the 12th of October. It is a continual thing for us. It gives us a chance to highlight the program and some of the things that we do and keep that message going."

The McConnell Fire Department went into the local community and base throughout the week to spread the fire prevention message. They visited the Child Development Center to showcase vehicles, equipment and to generate interest among a younger crowd.

According to the NFPA, public fire departments responded to 1,375,000 fires, 365,000 of which were home fires in 2012. These fires caused 16,910 injuries, 2,855 deaths, and $12.4 billion in direct damage.
 
"It's an eye opener," said Patch. "Where do we spend the majority of our time? It's at home. It's kind of scary when you start thinking about the magnitude of those numbers."

The McConnell Fire Department is scheduled to hold a fire safety presentation, parade and a base fire muster this month to help increase awareness.

"The Air Force fire prevention program is number one," said Staff Sgt. Brandon Martin, 22nd CES firefighter. "It's the best out there. That is why we have many programs out there like National Fire Prevention Week. We go into the community and show them exactly how and what we need to do to prevent the fires. "

They also send out a monthly tips letter about fire safety to all squadrons on base.

For more information about fire safety tips, visit www.nfpa.org/safety-information/safety-tip-sheets