Fire prevention week: planning, practice could save lives

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Kevin Wallace
  • 436th AW Public Affairs
DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. --  The night is serene. With the children tucked away in their beds, a Team Dover Airman kisses his wife good night and they both slip away into a land of their imaginations. As they continue to sleep and dream peacefully, they are abruptly awaken by the piercing shrieks of sirens, blaring in unison from all corners of their home.

Fortunately, the imaginary Airman and his family know precisely what to do and they all make it safely outside free of harm.

What if this was not an imaginary Airman? What if it was you in your home or dormitory room? If a fire starts in your home or you hear your smoke detector going off, will you know what to do?

This year the National Fire Protection Association is asking every family to make and practice an escape plan.

The base fire department is joining forces with NFPA during Fire Prevention Week, which runs Oct. 7 through 13.

Team Dover has slated Oct. 10 as a time for family members to practice escape plans. The base fire department will be in base housing to watch and answer any questions families may have.

At 6:30 p.m., Team Dover housing residents will hear fire-truck sirens, which will indicate it is time to practice escape plans. For inclement weather, Oct. 11 was named as an alternate day for planning and practicing.

"We hope to raise awareness of causes of home fires and the steps people can take to avoid them," said Tech. Sgt. Steven Stover, 436th Civil Engineer Squadron firefighter and two-time veteran of house-fire rescues. "Having an escape plan is one of our top fire-safety priorities at Dover during Fire Prevention Week and all year long.

"Pull together everyone in your household and make a plan," said Sergeant Stover. "Walk through your home and inspect all possible exits and escape routes."

Make the plan appropriate for the occupants, he explained. "Households with children should consider drawing a floor plan of your home, marking two ways out of each room."
He said families should choose an outside meeting place a safe distance from the house where everyone can meet after they escape.

But the sergeant warns that families should go beyond merely making an escape plan - they should also practice escaping.

"Allow children to master fire-escape planning and practice, then hold a fire drill at night while they are sleeping," he said. Though fire drills will give families practice in the event of an actual fire, the sergeant explained there is no need to scare the children. For that reason, he recommends telling children there will be a drill before they go to bed.

"The most important thing to remember is that you have an escape plan, everyone in your house knows it, and that you practice it at least twice a year," said Sergeant Stover. "Take the time now to make an escape plan so if an emergency happens, you and your family will be ready for it."