Moody FD celebrates Fire Prevention Week

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Jarrod Grammel
  • 23rd Wing Public Affairs
MOODY AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. --  "This waste results from conditions that justify a sense of shame and horror; for the greater part of it could and ought to be prevented," said Calvin Coolidge, 30th president of the United States, in a 1925 proclamation recognizing the week of Oct. 9 as National Fire Prevention Week. "It is highly desirable that every effort be made to reform the conditions which have made possible so vast a destruction of the national wealth."

National Fire Prevention Week commemorates the Great Chicago Fire of 1871 and aims to educate the public on preventing the leading cause of home fires - cooking, heating and electrical equipment, and candles and smoking materials.

The 23rd Civil Engineer Squadron celebrated National Fire Prevention Week from Oct. 9 to 15 by educating members on Moody and in the local community.

"We went around base and the local community last week to spread the message and share tips on fire prevention," said Guy Chastain, 23rd CES fire inspector. "It's shocking how many people lose their lives in fires that are often preventable. Giving people minor tips can prevent deaths."

As part of their effort to increase awareness of fire prevention, the firefighters of the 23rd CES set up a table and handed out fact sheets, brochures and even plastic firemen hats for the children.

One of the several customers who stopped at the Exchange to pick up some items was Maria Perkins.

"For me, safety is a number one priority and the recent fire in Valdosta that killed three people is a big reminder," she said. "I would like my seven grandchildren to know how to prevent and deal with fires."

Another one of the events organized by the 23rd CES fire department to increase awareness was a visit to the Child Development Center II. Sparky the Fire Dog went into classrooms there to educate children about fire prevention and safety.

"Sparky is a nation symbol for fire prevention and is a big hit with the children," said Chastain. "He is dressed as a firefighter to show children that firefighters are good and there to help. We are trying to break that barrier so that if children are ever caught in a fire, they know not to run away from the firefighters."

Although during National Fire Prevention Week firefighters focus on education, it is something they work on year round.

"Fire prevention is the cheapest way to fight fires," said Chastain. "Fire trucks and all our equipment is expensive, but brochures and coloring books for children are fairly cheap and effective. We are fortunate that we have very few fires on Moody, and I would like to think it is because of our robust fire prevention program and the Air Force's focus on safety."

In addition to visiting and educating people on base, the firefighters of the 23rd CES also went into the community to work with local fire departments.

"We also went to local schools and fire departments to show them we are here to assist them," said Chastain. "We have some unique tools that many local departments don't have, so we want to show them our capabilities."

In the continuing effort to increase awareness to prevent unnecessary injury, death and destruction, the 23rd CES firefighters celebrated National Fire Prevention Week to focus their efforts on educating people on base and in the local community.