Fire Prevention Week kicks off at Travis

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  • By 60th Civil Engineer Squadron
  • 60th Civil Engineer Squadron

TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – The Travis Air Force Base Fire Department is teaming up with the National Fire Protection Association, the official sponsor of Fire Prevention Week for more than 90 years, to promote this year’s Fire Prevention Week campaign, “Not every hero wears a cape. Plan and practice your escape!”

The annual campaign, which runs from Oct. 6 to 12, works to educate everyone about the small, but important actions they can take to keep themselves and those around them safe.  

NFPA statistics show that in 2017, U.S. fire departments responded to 357,000 home structure fires. These fires caused 2,630 deaths and 10,600 injuries. On average, seven people died in a house fire per day during 2012 to 2016.  

“These numbers show that home fires continue to pose a significant threat to safety,” said Lorraine Carli, NFPA’s vice president of Outreach and Advocacy. “In a typical home fire, you may have as little as one to two minutes to escape safely from the time the smoke alarm sounds. Escape planning and practice can help you make the most of the time you have, giving everyone enough time to get out.

While NFPA and the Travis Air Force Base Fire Department are focusing on home fires, these messages apply to virtually any location.

“Situational awareness is a skill people need to use wherever they go,” said Staff Sgt. Luis Valencia, 60 Civil Engineer Squadron firefighter. “No matter where you are, look for available exits. If the alarm system sounds, take it seriously and exit the building immediately.”

The Travis AFB Fire Department hosted a series of events in support of this year’s campaign including hospital visits with Sparky the Fire Dog, Child Development Center visits, “Smoke Trailer” education at Scandia and Travis Elementary Schools, a first responder parade and an open house with prizes, bouncy houses and food.

To find out more about Fire Prevention Week programs and activities on base, please contact the Travis AFB Fire Prevention office at 707-424-3683 or email at 60.CES.CEF@us.af.mil. For more general information about Fire Prevention Week and home escape planning, visit www.fpw.org.