National Fire Prevention Week runs from Oct. 4-10, but for the installation's own observance of the week, Fort Campbell Fire Department spearheaded activities with elementary schools to educate students early on.
"The kids are our biggest tool out there," said Fort Campbell Assistant Fire Chief Joe Baker. "Because year after year, we see that kids retain it better than adults."
The department gauges the week's usefulness by feedback from both kids and parents.
"Parents say kids drive them nuts about checking smoke detectors," Baker said. "[Kids] grasp 'stop, drop and roll' and 'get low and go,' and they know when you get out, stay out because they're hearing this every year."
Even though the focus remains on elementary school kids from kindergarten to third grade, the department reaches about 2,500 children throughout the week.
This year's theme is "Stay Fire Smart! Don't Get Burned."
Baker said it's important for Families to develop an edict for exit drills in homes, safe places to meet outside and letting everyone know to call 911 and that these are reminders that kids pick up on quickly.
The usefulness of this week is gauged by the feedback from both parents and kids, Baker said.
As FCFD visited schools this week, they spread the message of fire prevention as part of a week of awareness to inform elementary age students of the importance of being prepared for a fire emergency.
The week included a variety of activities from poster contests to taking children through the "smokehouse" - a miniature model room that is filled with smoke after students enter. Firemen then instruct the kids on how to exit a burning building.
Some children who won for posters entered in the contest will have their entries go on to compete in the entire Fort Campbell competition.
First grader Alejandra Savantes knows what to do in the event of a fire. "Go under the smoke and call 911," Savantes said.
She made a winning poster of people calling for help from a burning house with the fire truck on its way.
Fourth grader Jace Stockard - whose poster illustrates a set of matches with a slash through them, will also compete with other schools.
For Stockard, Fire Prevention Week alerts him to be aware of potential fire dangers. "You shouldn't play with matches. They're dangerous."
Fire inspector Gary Coplen has been helping out with the once a year activities as long as he can remember. Serving 30 years in the department, he still finds it gratifying to be a part of the week's events.
"I've been here so long, but I still get pumped up about it," Coplen said, who agrees it's all about teaching kids.
Coplen echoed Baker, saying that children learn more quickly because it sticks with them.
As well, since partnering with Fort Campbell housing, Baker said the department has seen a dramatic drop in the number of fires.
The department leads newcomer orientation once or twice monthly, in addition to safety and prevention briefings.
For the year, Baker said there have only been 11 house fires this year on Fort Campbell with a 38 percent drop in the number of unattended cooking fires for the 2007-2008 year. Baker said that this year is looking to be equal with the number of fires from last year.
Cooking fires have remained the most prevalent cause, Baker said, citing candles as the second highest cause. "One measure we've taken is to install extinguishers back into family housing units."
Though the numbers for the current closing fiscal year have not come in as of yet and since the department has teamed up with Fort Campbell Housing to begin initiatives for fire safety, fires have dropped, Baker added.
The department presents a fun atmosphere for kids while they learn about fire safety inside the smokehouse trailer.
"We have them singing and dancing to Hannah Montana when they come up to the trailer," Baker said.
Fire Prevention Week was observed a week in advance this year so that elementary schools can participate since schools are closed next week for Fall Break.
The department hands out final prizes for the poster contest and gives away bicycles, Oct. 9 from noon to 3 p.m. for Fire Safety day at Hammond Commons.
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