LANGLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Va. –
As smoke fills a home, the once-sleeping occupants rush to escape, not realizing a young child may still be sleeping through the shrill sound of the smoke detector.
According to the U.S. Fire Administration, children may not wake up once a smoke detector begins to go off. This alarming fact is one of the reasons fire departments conduct training with families and children, to get the children acquainted with the sound that a smoke detector makes.
The Fort Eustis, Va., fire department traveled to the NASA Child Development Center April 17 to teach kids about the importance of fire safety and prevention.
"It's life safety, because anything can happen at any time," explained Douglas Faber, 733rd Civil Engineer Division Fire and Emergency Services assistant fire chief of fire prevention and public education. "Children need this training to be able to survive in a time of crisis."
Members from the fire department visited the CDC to conduct a hands-on, educational training on proper safety techniques and how to prevent fires. Inside a trailer decorated to resemble a small home, children watched an interactive video. Following the video, the children demonstrated their knowledge by answering questions about fire safety and prevention.
The military children were also tested on what they learned by displaying the proper way to evacuate a home if they see or smell smoke in the household.
"We want to get these kids in an environment that is fun," said Carneal Smith, 733rd CED Fire and Emergency Services fire inspector. "This type of environment allows for them to be more appreciative, as well as learn more."
Smith, who also spent 21 years in the U.S. Air Force, explained the importance of informing children about smoke detectors, and making them aware of what to do in emergencies.
"A lot of these children are waking up in their beds and sitting straight up," said Smith. "We teach them they need to roll out of bed, not sit straight up."
The demonstration isn't just for kids. Educating the parents is also very important, because there can be additional concerns that they are unaware of. During a fire emergency, fire trucks and firefighters may seem frightening to children. With proper education, parents can help children feel comfortable with, and around, firefighters.
Additionally, practicing exit drills in the home, having a plan and meeting place can help families prepare in case of emergencies. Checking smoke detectors monthly is also a beneficial in fire safety and prevention.
By shedding light on the importance of fire safety and teaching young children what to be aware of, the 733rd CED ensures kids are being taught lessons that can potentially save their lives, as well as the lives of others.
For more information, or to schedule a demonstration on Joint Base Langley-Eustis, contact Douglas Faber at (757) 878-4281 ext. 321 or douglas.e.faber.civ@mail.com. Off-base organizations should contact Vicki Bowker, Fort Eustis Public Affairs specialist, at (757) 878-4920.