JOINT BASE LEWIS-MCCHORD, Wash. - Hundreds of patrons flocked to the Army Family Covenant Arena Saturday to learn more about fire safety and how to keep their loved ones safe in case of a fire emergency.
This year's Fire Safety Fair followed the theme "smoke alarm: a sound you can live with!," as an example of the constant need for educating families on the importance of fire prevention. JBLM's fair was held to end National Fire Prevention Week which took place Oct. 3rd though 9th, the anniversary of the Great Chicago Fire of 1871.
According to the National Fire Prevention Association, 65 percent of house fire deaths happen in homes with no smoke alarms or where the smoke alarms are not working. When there is a fire, smoke spreads fast and alarms are necessary to give family members enough time to get out of their home.
"Never leave a stove unattended while you cook," said Edward J. Chavez, a fire inspector with the Directorate of Emergency Services, JBLM Fire Department. "We have heard countless times from occupants that have a fire that they didn't think it would happen that fast."
The fair had something for everyone including a simulated kitchen and bedroom which highlighted the need to understand how to properly use a fire extinguisher and the protocol to safely leave a room or home once the fire alarm sounded.
"I learned how to take the sheets off the bed and place them under the door to prevent smoke inhalation," said Tina R. Ahching, a mother from DuPont. "I think everyone should practice an escape route and change the batteries in their smoke alarm often."
Private 1st Class David E. Caron from the 61st Chemical Company brought his family to the fair so his 3-year-old son could learn at an early age the dangers of fires and what to do if there is one in their home.
"We came to the fair so our son knows a little of what to do if there is a fire in our home," Caron said.
He said that the simulations taught his family how to keep the fire contained and react calmly, while getting out the house as quickly as possible.
Some fire safety tips to remember include installing smoke alarms in every bedroom and outside each separate sleeping area, test alarms at least monthly, and replace batteries in all smoke alarms at regular intervals.
Chavez reiterated the fire safety tips; "check your alarms monthly, to include changing batteries twice a year. Change them when you set your clocks back this fall and this spring when you move them forward."
"The best advice is to ask us (firefighters) the questions and be prepared," Chavez said. "Fire does not discriminate; it can affect all nationalities and ranks."
Private 1st Class Melonie Foster Mays is assigned to the 28th Public Affairs Detachment. This story appeared in Joint Base Lewis-McChord's weekly newspaper, the Northwest Guardian.
Social Sharing