SCHINNEN, The Netherlands -- Fire Prevention Week commemorates the Great Chicago Fire that occurred Oct. 8-9, 1871. The two-day blaze killed more than 250 people, left 100,000 more homeless, and destroyed more than 17,000 buildings. That tragedy inspired reform across America, spurring new fire safety codes and public awareness campaigns.
Each October, the National Fire Protection Association serves as the official sponsor of a U.S. nationwide fire prevention campaign to highlight the importance of fire safety education.
The 2018 theme focuses on awareness of individuals, because people can make a different just by looking, listening, and learning. The three basic but essential steps to take to reduce the likelihood of having a fire -- and how to escape safely in the event of a fire:
- LOOK for places fire could start. Take a good look around your home. Identify potential fire hazards and do something about them.
- LISTEN for the sound of the smoke detector. You could have only minutes to escape safely once the smoke detector sounds it's alarm. Go to your outside meeting place, which should be a safe distance from the home and where everyone should know to meet.
- LEARN two ways out of every room and make sure all doors and windows leading outside open easily and are free of clutter.
Look. Listen. Learn. Fire can happen anywhere.
For more information, visit the NFPA website at www.fpw.org. You can also call the Garrison Fire Prevention Office:
- Chièvres Air Base: DSN 361-5401 or +32(0)68-27-5401.
- Schinnen: DSN 360-7230 or +31(0)46-443-7230.
GARRISON EVENTS:
Oct. 6
Fire Department Combat Challenge at Chièvres Air Base
The event is open to firefighters and non-firefighters from noon to 4 p.m. The teams are composed of four members. Entry is €10. To participate, please call DSN 361-5494 and provide the participants' names and department/organization information. Registration ends Oct. 1 at 5 p.m.
Oct. 13
Fire Department Open House at Chièvres Air Base
The first annual open house at Bldg. 20010 will be held from noon to 4 p.m. There will be free food, drinks, fire truck rides and more.
Community Event at Schinnen
There will be a free community event at the entrance of the Schinnen AAFES Troop Store from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. There will be fire trucks on display and activities for children.
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