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NEWS | Sept. 26, 2017

Sound the alarm: Fire prevention week is coming!

By Howard Smith 633rd Civil Engineer Squadron

It’s midnight and a family is sound asleep.  All of a sudden, everyone is awakened by a loud alarm—the smoke detectors are going off. Everyone jumps out of bed and heads to the front door, but it is blocked by fire.

They decide to return to their bedrooms to call 911.  Unfortunately, by the time the fire department arrived on scene and extinguished the fire, the entire family passed away from smoke inhalation.

Although this tragedy could have happened to anyone, it could also have been prevented this time. The family tried to exit through the front door, but it was blocked.  However, in the opposite direction was the sliding door to the patio.  They failed to identify or practice two ways out of their home during an emergency. That’s why this year’s Fire Prevention Week theme, “Every Second Counts: Plan 2 Ways Out,” is so important.  

This year’s theme focuses on making sure every second counts. Seconds can mean the difference between residents of the community escaping safely from a fire and having their lives end in tragedy.

Joint Base Langley-Eustis’ Fire Department is teaming up with the National Fire Prevention Association during Fire Prevention Week, Oct. 8-14, 2017, to urge residents to understand “Every Second Counts: Plan 2 Ways Out.” 

The JBLE Fire Department will host a fire station open house as well as several other appearances around base during Fire Prevention Week.  Through these educational, family-oriented activities, residents can learn more about maintaining an escape plan with two ways out, as well as the power of prevention.

Until then, members can follow the below tips to help improve their emergency exit plan at home:

  • Draw a map of your home. Include all windows and doors.

  • Find two ways out of every room.

  • Make sure you can use all your ways out.

  • Make sure your doors and windows are not blocked.

  • Choose an outside meeting place in front of your home.

  • Go over your plan with everyone in your home.

  • Plan to assist anyone who needs help getting outside.

  • Test your smoke alarms to be sure they are working.

For more information about Fire Prevention Week programs and activities on JBLE, contact the Langley Air Force Base Fire Department at 764-4222 or 633ces.cef.firepreve@us.af.mil, or contact the Fort Eustis Fire Department at 878-3131 ext. 321. To learn more about “Every Second Counts: Plan 2 Ways Out,” visit the National Fire Prevention Association’s website at www.firepreventionweek.org.