LAUGHLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --
The Laughlin Air force Base Fire and Emergency Services is teaming up with the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)—the official sponsor of Fire Prevention Week for more than 90 years—to promote this year’s campaign, “Not Every Hero Wears a Cape. Plan and Practice Your Escape!” The campaign works to educate everyone about the small but important actions they can take to keep themselves and those around them safe.
NFPA statistics show that in 2017, U.S. fire departments responded to 357,000 home structure fires. These fires caused 2,630 fire deaths and 10,600 fire injuries. On average, seven people died in a fire in a home per day from 2012 to 2016.
“These numbers show that home fires continue to pose a significant threat to safety,” said Lorraine Carli, NFPA vice president of outreach and advocacy. “In a typical home fire, you may have as little as one to two minutes to escape safely from the time the smoke alarm sounds. Escape planning and practice can help you make the most of the time you have, giving everyone enough time to get out.”
While NFPA and the Laughlin AFB Fire & Emergency Services are focusing on home fires, these messages apply to virtually any location.
“Situational awareness is a skill people need to use wherever they go,” said David Isbell, 47th Civil Engineer Squadron Fire and Emergency Services fire chief. “No matter where you are, look for available exits. If the alarm system sounds, take it seriously and exit the building immediately.”
The Laughlin AFB Fire and Emergency Services is hosting a series of events in support of this year’s Fire Prevention Week campaign, “Not Every Hero Wears a Cape. Plan and Practice Your Escape!” including:
Monday, 7 October
Sparky and firefighters visit base facilities
0930 – 1100: Bldgs: 77, 100, 139, 246, 328, 348, 362, and 375.
Tuesday, 8 October
Sparky and firefighters visit base facilities.
0830 – 0930: Magnet School – Truck w/Sparky and helmets*
0900 – 1130: Bldgs: 222, 221, 307, 308, 320, 344, 359 and 454.
Wednesday, 9 October
1100 – 1230: Base Exchange: Fire truck display, portable fire extinguisher demonstration, fire safety information booth and Sparky
1600 – 1700: Youth Center Visit at the Losano Fitness Center: Fire truck display, fire safety trailer and Sparky
Thursday, 10 October
1600 – 1700: Commissary parking lot fire truck display, portable fire extinguisher demonstration, fire safety information, and Sparky
Friday, 11 October
0900 – 1000: Sparky and the Fire Trucks Visit the Child Development Center
1030 – 1130: Base Library, Children Reading Session: fire safety video, fire truck display
1130 – 1300: Fire Department Open House with Alarm Chili Cook Off and other activities
To find out more about Fire Prevention Week programs and activities Laughlin AFB please contact the Laughlin AFB Fire & Emergency Services at (830) 298-5633. For more general information about Fire Prevention Week and home escape planning, visit www.fpw.org.