FORT WAINWRIGHT, Alaska, July 15, 2011 -- The Fort Wainwright Fire Department and North Haven Communities have joined forces to provide Soldiers and families crucial information and give residents an opportunity to meet the firefighters who serve the Fort Wainwright community.
In two years Fort Wainwright has racked up over $2 million in property loss claims from 20 post housing fires said Chuck Downham, project manager, North Haven Communities.
“Fortunately, none of the fires resulted in personal injuries or death, but all were preventable,” Downham said.
The Fire Department and North Haven have formed a partnership to raise awareness and promote fire safety. One of the results of this partnership is Fire Safety Days, taking place at the housing community centers this summer.
“Given the number and frequency of fire occurrences, North Haven believes an interactive session involving displays and (Fire) Department personnel will have a lasting and effective impact on resident fire safety and awareness that we hope will translate into reduced fire incidents,” he said.
Maurice Fischer, the Directorate of Emergency Services director explained that he wants the community to have the opportunity to meet the people who serve them.
“We want to enlighten the residents as to who we are and what we do. Fort Wainwright has the best Fire Department in the Pacific and the Fort Wainwright community should benefit from their efforts,” he said.
“I want the residents to know their firefighters and know that they can stop at a fire station at any time with questions or concerns and know that the firefighters that serve there will help them.
“My personal experience has been that many people know where the fire house is but not many people know the brave men and women that work there and have only a small understanding of what they can do for the community. Firefighters and police officers are our hometown heroes, yet many residents have never met a firefighter,” Fischer said.
“Given the number and frequency of fire occurrences, NHC believes an interactive session involving displays and (Fire) Department personnel will have a lasting and effective impact on resident fire safety and awareness that we hope will translate into reduced fire incidents,” Downham said.
The training is mandatory for all housing residents, he said. “While we believe participation will benefit all residents regardless of past training or experience with fires, the penalty for non-participation by a resident could include revocation of resident self-help privileges.”
Residents who attend will receive a package filled with fire safety information including useful tips for around the home.
The Fire Department will provide displays and interactive training during Fire Safety Days. The intent of the training is to raise awareness and preparedness for Soldiers and their families in the event of a fire emergency within their home.
Fischer said that residents will be able to meet the firefighters that serve their specific housing area. We will offer fire extinguisher training, fire prevention information and tips, and provide residents the opportunity to sign up for a Project Safe Guard home fire and crime prevention consultation.
Emergency Services also offers the free, Project Safeguard assessments to Fort Wainwright families living off post.
Children can look forward to the fire truck to climb on, equipment to wear and try out. A smoke trailer will teach fire survival techniques. and, Sparky the Fire Dog will be there with his bouncy house for the children to enjoy, Fischer said.
All Fire Safety Days will take place in Fort Wainwright housing. Sessions are open to all DoD ID cardholders.
For more information contact the post fire prevention officer or North Haven Communities.
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