Do you 'Have 2 ways out?'

  • Published
  • By Jarvis Amos
  • 1st Special Operations Civil Engineer Squadron
The Hurlburt Field Fire Emergency Service is proud to announce that National Fire Prevention Week will be observed from Oct. 7-12.

The theme for National Fire Prevention Week is "Have 2 Ways Out."

The origin of National Fire Prevention Week marks the anniversary of the Great Chicago Fire that happened Oct. 9, 1871. Identified as one of the worst fires in American history, the fire killed 250 people and destroyed 17,430 buildings at a cost $168 million.

The fire, reported to have been started by the now-famous cow of a Mrs. O'Leary, swept through the wooden buildings and sidewalks of Chicago. It was not until after this tragedy that fire prevention codes became written, requiring safer construction.

In association with National Fire Prevention Week, please take a look at your smoke detectors. Working smoke alarms cut in half the risk of getting injured or dying in a home fire.

Worn or missing batteries are the most common cause of a smoke alarm detector malfunction. Changing the batteries at least twice a year, during time changes, is one of the simplest, most effective ways to prevent tragic deaths and injuries.

So the next time your smoke detector starts chirping, please replace the battery because the life you save may be your own.

During Fire Prevention Week, Hurlburt Fire and Emergency Services will conduct fire prevention and safety programs to help the base populace protect themselves from fire.

To focus on this observance, the following activities will occur:

Thursday, Oct. 4
10 a.m. -- Proclamation signing with 1st Special Operations Wing  commander at Fire Station 1

Sunday, Oct. 7
11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. -- Sparky the Fire Dog and Fire Engine will be at the Commissary and Base Exchange handing out small treats.

Monday, Oct. 8
Federal Holiday (No Activities)

Tuesday, Oct. 9
6:00 a.m. to 6:45 a.m. -- Sparky will be at the front gate.
9:00 a.m. -- Sparky and a fire engine will visit the Child Development Center- Main.
Wednesday, Oct. 10
6:00 a.m. to 6:45 a.m. -- Sparky will be at the back gate.
9:00 a.m. -- Sparky and a fire engine will visit the CDC West
2:00-4:00 p.m. -- Sparky and a fire engine will visit the Youth Center

Thursday, Oct. 11
9:00 a.m. -- Pit Fire and Vehicle Extrication (Primary Day, for 1st Special Operations Mission Support Group command staff invitees)
10:00 a.m. -- Story Hour at the Library with Sparky and Fire Engine

Friday, Oct. 12
9:00 a.m. -- Pit Fire and Vehicle Extrication (Alternate Day, for 1st Special Operations Mission Support Group command staff invitees)
10:00 a.m. -- Visit CDC East with Sparky and Fire Engine