Fire Safety Campaign

What is it'

Installation Management Command launched a Fire Safety Campaign March 31 to increase fire prevention awareness throughout the command. Campaign actions include promoting fire safety and increased inspections. Garrison Safety and Fire and Emergency Services personnel will team up on the command-wide fire safety campaign to raise awareness and provide guidance to Soldiers and families on how to recognize, improve and practice fire safety. The campaign extends through national Fire Prevention Week, Oct. 4-10, and concludes Oct.31.

Why is it important to the Army'

There has been an increase in the number of fires during the first six months of fiscal year 2009. IMCOM garrisons experienced more than 130 fire-related incidents that resulted in one death, 14 injuries and more than $13.6 million in property damage. Fires and burns are the third leading cause of unintentional home injuries and deaths according to the Home Safety Council. Major causes of fires were malfunctioning electrical devices, misuse of space heaters and unattended cooking. Mishandling of flammables, candles and smoking materials also caused many fires. Unattended cooking and burning candles caused half of the fires on Army installations in 2008. Fires have displaced families, disrupted the mission and resulted in the loss of life. To increase preparedness, Soldiers and family members should be trained to perform fire safety inspections and recognize faulty fire safety equipment, such as fire extinguishers.

What continued efforts does the Army have planned for the future'

Education is essential to reducing fires on Army installations. Safety officials will target where people work and live with awareness programs including Ready Army and the Fire Safety Campaign to provide information on hazard identification and elimination, safety demonstrations, and reporting and evacuation procedures. Fire and Emergency Services personnel will introduce fire drills and ensure Soldiers and families know how to report fires. Fire and Emergency Services personnel will inspect and test smoke and fire detection equipment in all facilities on IMCOM installations as part of the fire safety campaign. Emphasis will be on testing, preventive maintenance inspections and ensuring installed fire detection and suppression systems are adequate.

Resources:

<a href="http://www.imcom.army.mil" target="_blank">IMCOM Web site</a>

<a href="http://www.army.mil/imcom" target="_blank">IMCOM page on ARMY.MIL Web site</a>

<a href="http://www.nfpa.org/categoryList.asp'categoryID=244&URL=Safety%20Information/For%20consumers/Fact%20sheets%20and%20safety%20tips" target="_blank">National Fire Protection Association safety tips and fact sheets</a>

<a href="http://www.ready.army.mil" target="_blank">Ready Army all hazards emergency preparedness</a>