Dover AFB to host Fire Prevention Week

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Jacob Morgan
  • 436th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. --  The National Fire Protection Association's annual public awareness campaign, Fire Prevention Week, is being held Oct. 9 - 15. Dover Air Force Base, Del. will kick off the campaign Oct. 10 and events are planned throughout the week.

Team Dover's firefighters and other base members will be teaming up with the NFPA to educate people on how to protect their families from fire by planning ahead and integrating simple preventative measures into everyday life.

"This year's theme will have [the firefighters of the 436th Civil Engineer Squadron] focused on fire safety specific to the home," said Tech. Sgt. Heather Michaud, NCO in charge of fire prevention with the 436th CES. "Those who attend will learn preventative measures to protect your family and make your home safer."

There are several events this year on base scheduled for the firefighters of the 436th CES.

Oct. 11, Sparky and Smokey, fire prevention mascots, will arrive at the main gate at 6:30 a.m. There will also be an information table at the shoppette from 8 - 10 a.m. A Fire Prevention Week Kickoff Bash will be at the Hunt Community Center from 2 - 4 p.m.

Oct. 12, there will be a fire truck display at the base exchange from 8 - 10 a.m. Sparky will be reading at the base library from 10:30 - 11:30 a.m. and visiting Major George S. Welch Elementary School at 1:15 p.m. The annual 436th Security Forces vs. 436th CE firefighters softball game, known as the 'Battle of the Badges' will also take place at 5 p.m. Wednesday.

Oct. 14, there will be a 'fire muster' at 1 p.m. where teams of four members will compete in a series of firefighter-training events.

On Oct. 15, there will be a parade at base housing at 10 a.m., and the fire house will host an open house from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Michaud said last year's open house brought more than 500 people to the fire house, and there will be even more attractions this year, including a rescue helicopter.

"Usually, we only get to see people during bad situations," said Michaud. "Fire Prevention Week gives us a chance to meet people face-to-face to teach preventable measures and save lifes."