Moody FD ensures safety through Fire Prevention Week

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Kathleen D. Bryant
  • 23d Wing Public Affairs
MOODY AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. --  The 23d Civil Engineer Squadron Fire Department will promote fire safety on base and in the local community during Fire Prevention Week, Oct. 4 through Oct. 10, here.

The theme this year, "Hear the Beep Where You Sleep, Every Bedroom Needs a Smoke Alarm," emphasizes the importance of fire prevention tools and practices.

"Most people who die in fires don't die from the fire," said Vincent Ferrell, 23d CES lead fire inspector. "They die from smoke [inhalation], especially in older houses where there isn't a smoke detector in every room."

Since 1922, the United States has observed FPW every year to commemorate the Great Chicago Fire, a fire that killed more than 250 people, destroyed more than 17,400 structures and burned more than 2,000 acres. The fire burned from Oct. 8 to Oct. 9, 1871 and left 100,000 people homeless.

In order to spread awareness, the fire department will visit the child development center, the youth center and local schools throughout the week to promote fire safety awareness in children.

"Our main goal is to inform families, especially kids, on what the proper procedures are for anything involving fire prevention," said U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Andrew Madeira, 23d CES fire team driver operator."

Madeira emphasized some main education points pertaining to fire safety including always having at least two escape plans, checking for operating smoke detectors and closing doors to help contain potential fires.

"Education and awareness is the most important part [of FPW]," said Ferrell. "When you ask most kids what they would do if they caught on fire, they will tell you about the stop, drop and roll technique we discuss at daycares and schools. It has really helped to save kids' lives over the years. The more you can educate them as they grow, the more they will be aware of fire safety."

Anyone looking for more information on fire safety can contact the fire department at 229-257-3102.