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"Have Two Ways Out!" - Fire Prevention Week at Lajes Field
Posted 10/10/2012 Updated 10/10/2012
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by Master Sgt. Byron Beasley
65th Civil Engineering Squadron
10/10/2012 - LAJES FIELD, Azores -- If you woke up to a fire in your home, how much time do you think you would have to get to safety?
According to the nonprofit National Fire Protection Association, one-third of American households who made an estimate thought they would have at least six minutes before a fire in their home would become life-threatening. Unfortunately, the time available is often less.
That's why Lajes' Fire Department is teaming up with NFPA during Fire Prevention Week, October 7-13, 2012, to urge residents to "Have Two Ways Out!" This year's theme focuses on the importance of fire escape planning and practice.
In 2010, U.S. fire departments responded to 369,500 home structure fires. These fires caused 13,350 civilian injuries, 2,640 civilian deaths, and $6.9 billion in direct damage.
"One residential structure fire was reported every 85 seconds in 2010," says Master Sgt. Jamain Rouse of the Lajes Fire Department. "Fire is unpredictable and moves faster than most people realize. Having a tried and true escape plan with two ways is essential to ensuring your family's safety should fire break out in your home."
Lajes Fire Department recommends the following tips for planning your family's escape:
· Make a map of your home. Mark a door and a window that can be used to get out of every room.
· Choose a meeting place outside in front of your home. This is where everyone can meet once they've escaped. Draw a picture of your outside meeting place on your escape plan.
· Write the emergency telephone number for the fire department on your escape plan.
· Have a grown-up sound the smoke alarm and practice your escape plan with everyone living in your home.
· Keep your escape plan on the refrigerator and remind grown-ups to have your family practice the plan twice a year or whenever anyone in your home celebrates a birthday.
The Lajes Fire Department will be hosting activities during Fire Prevention Week to promote "Have Two Ways Out!" Through these educational, family-oriented activities, residents can learn more about the importance of fire escape planning and practice, as well as the power of prevention.
Oct. 12
8 a.m. - Fire Fighter Challenge, Open to all squadron personnel (Lajes FD Bldg. T-772)
10:30 a.m. - Off Base School tours Lajes Fire Department
4 p.m. - Kids Bowl with Sparky (T-169) *free*
Oct. 13
11 a.m. - 3 p.m. Fire Department Open House (Prize Giveaway/ Bouncy Castle / Vehicle & Equipment Demonstrations / Vehicle Extrication Demonstration / Fire Extinguisher Training/ Live Fire Training Demo / Smoke room)
To find out more about Fire Prevention Week programs and activities at Lajes Field, please contact the Lajes Fire Department at 535-5166. To learn more about "Have Two Ways Out!" visit NFPA's Web site at www.firepreventionweek.org.
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