Fire Prevention Week kicks off Oct. 7

  • Published
  • By the Travis Fire Department
  • 60th Civil Engineer Squadron
TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  In an effort to educate Team Travis on how to safely escape from fires, the Travis Fire Department is taking part in the National Fire Protection Association's Fire Prevention Week, Oct. 7 to 13.

By hosting local activities and events that will both entertain and educate the public, the Travis Fire Department hopes to raise awareness of key fire safety issues, helping attendees prevent fires, fire injuries and learning how to escape in the event of a fire.

"Many people don't realize that they are at greater danger from fires at home than anywhere else," says Tech. Sgt. Todd Thompson, Travis Fire Department. "Fortunately, there are many things every individual can do to turn that around and make their homes a safer place."

For example, families can draw a floor plan of their home, marking two ways out of every room, and decide on the best escape routes.

Pre-selecting an outside meeting place, preferably in front of your home, and telling everyone to meet there after escaping the house allows accountability for all family members and helps firefighters know if anybody's missing or trapped inside.

Sergeant Thompson added that Travis' Fire Department is using Fire Prevention Week to reach out to the community one-on-one, teaching people of every age how to prepare for a fire.

"This year, we'll be focusing in particular on the theme, 'Practice Your Escape Plan,' he said.

The Travis Fire Department has lined up the following Fire Prevention Week activities for residents:

Oct. 9
-- 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.: Base Exchange display
-- 9:30 to 10 a.m.: CDC II Sparky/Fire Department visit
-- 11:15 a.m. to 12:05 p.m.: Lunch at Center School 

Oct. 10
-- 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.: Base Exchange display
-- 9:30 to 10 a.m.: CDC II Sparky/Fire Department visit
-- 11:15 a.m. to 12:05 p.m.: Lunch at Scandia School

Oct. 11
-- 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.: Base Exchange display
-- 9:30 to 10 a.m.: CDC II Sparky/Fire Department visit
-- 11:15 a.m. to 12:05 p.m.: Lunch at Travis School
-- 1:30 to 2:30 p.m.: Travis school visit/ poster winners announce

Oct. 13
-- 10:30 to 11 a.m.: Parade
--11 a.m. to 3 p.m.: Open house featuring a vehicle extrication demonstration, high-angle rescue demonstration, and safety house.

For more information about the NFPA's Fire Prevention Week, visit www.nfpa.org