FORT WAINWRIGHT, Alaska - The Directorate of Emergency Services offers Project Safe Guard to assist Soldiers and families in preventing home fires and intrusions by providing home inspections and expert advice.
"Providing fire- and crime-prevention inspections for Soldiers is a smart thing to do and provides peace of mind," said Maurice Fischer, DES director.
"Project Safe Guard was created in October 2008 at the request of the U.S. Army Alaska commanding general in an effort to reduce the numbers of fires and criminal activities associated with homes of soldiers and their families," said Morgan Boatman, Physical Security.
Soldiers residing on or off post can request a Project Safe Guard inspection. There is no cost for the service and it is as simple as scheduling the appointment.
The fire-prevention inspection is conducted by members of the Fort Wainwright Fire Prevention Office. Virgil Maddox said fire inspectors walk the home with family members, point out hazards and explain how to eliminate them.
"The fire inspectors will check all the smoke detectors in the home to ensure they work properly," Maddox said. Inspectors will check exits and storage of hazardous materials as part of the inspection.
"The most serious hazards we find are exits from the home being blocked and the
storing of hazardous materials inside the home such as gasoline and propane. We
also look at how much combustible materials are stored in the home," Maddox said.
Packing boxes from moving are typically found in the basements. Keeping all the old boxes provides extra fuel to a fire if one was to start near the boxes.
If problems are found, suggestions will be made on how to correct the problem. Inspectors will also have pamphlets on home safety available.
Project Safe Guard also offers crime-prevention inspections. Using a check list, "we look for security strengths and weaknesses or vulnerabilities that affect the safety and security of the property," Boatman said. "The goal is to deter, detect, delay and deny access to the home."
"We identify locking devices for both windows and doors that are good or that need attention or even replaced," Boatman said. "We look for items outside the home that would aid an intruder, such as unsecure ladders and tools. Ladders invite "peeping toms" as well."
Boatman generally offers these crime-prevention tips at an inspection: "Lock doors and windows even when home. I recommend varying schedules so as to not create a predictable pattern for criminals to target. I also recommend the use of automatic lighting which eliminates dark areas that would help hide a person breaking into a residence."
With winter coming, Maddox advised that "wood stoves and pellet stoves are not allowed on post. The use of small electric heaters is approved, only if they meet the Underwriters Laboratories certifications. If using a portable electric heater, make sure it has a "UL" approved sticker or tag attached to it."
Project Safe Guard inspections can be scheduled by calling 353-9011 for a security inspection and 353-9166 for a fire inspection.
Social Sharing