SCHRIEVER AIR FORCE BASE, Colo.-- --
The Schriever Fire Department advocates Airmen “Look, Listen, Learn,” and to “Be aware - fire can happen anywhere,” for Fire Prevention Week Oct. 7 - 13.
According to the National Fire Prevention Association, today’s home fires burn faster than ever. In a typical home fire, one may have as little as one to two minutes to escape safely from the time the smoke alarm sounds. Knowing how to use that time wisely takes planning and practice.
NFPA statistics show the number of U.S. home fires has been steadily declining over the past few decades. However, the death rate per 1,000 home fires that are reported to fire departments was 10 percent higher in 2016 than in 1980.
“These numbers show while we’ve made significant progress in teaching people how to prevent fires, there’s still much more work to do in terms of educating the public about how to protect themselves in the event of one,” said Lorraine Carli, vice president of outreach and advocacy with the NFPA. “This is particularly critical given the increased speed at which today’s home fires grow and spread.”
Carli notes although people feel safest in their homes, it is also the place people are at greatest risk to fire, with four out of five U.S. fire deaths occurring at home. She said this over-confidence contributes to a complacency to escape planning and practice.
“Working in the fire service for many years, we know people often make choices in fire situations that jeopardize their safety or even cost them their lives,” said Brad Truver, assistant chief with the Schriever FD. “We need to do a better job of teaching people about the potentially life-saving difference escape planning and practice can make and motivating them to action.”
Truver said this year’s “Look, Listen, Learn,” campaign highlights three steps people can take to help quickly and safely escape a fire:
- Look for places fire could start.
- Listen for the sound of the smoke alarm.
- Learn two ways out of every room.
The Schriever FD is teaming up with the NFPA to host a series of events in support of this year’s Fire Prevention Week campaign, including a presentation 9 a.m. Oct. 8 at the Ellicott Elementary School in Ellicott, Colorado, fire safety activities at the Child Development Center 9 a.m. Oct. 9, an auto extrication demonstration outside Building 210 11:30 a.m. Oct. 10 and an open house with free food, a fire truck display, home safety training using an interactive fire safety trailer, demonstrations and giveaways at the Tierra Vista Community Center 4 – 6 p.m. Oct. 12.
While NFPA and Schriever FD’s message focuses on home fires, it applies to virtually anywhere.
“Situational awareness is a skill people need to use wherever they go,” said Paul Macek, fire inspector with the Schriever FD. “No matter where you are, look for available exits. If the alarm system sounds, take it seriously and exit the building immediately.”
For more information about Fire Prevention Week and home escape planning, visit www.firepreventionweek.org.