LANGLEY AFB, VA. –
Mark your calendars! Next week, Oct 8-14 is Fire prevention Week and there are several events on base and in the community to attend!
This is the 84th National Fire Prevention Week, and the theme this year is "Prevent Cooking Fires, Watch what you heat."
It is important for everyone to practice fire safety in the home, especially in the kitchen, which is where the majority of home fires occur. An average of 290 deaths and 4,380 injuries occur annually, as a result of home fires associated with cooking.
Whether or not you use the stove, grill, oven or even a microwave, cooking fires are possible and we need to know how to prevent them.
"We want people to be continually aware of the dangers and hazards involved with cooking and we want to ensure that our community stays safe. Fire prevention week is the perfect time to do this," said Mr. Richard Pettyjohn, Fire Prevention Chief.
All next week, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., both the Bethel and Langley fire departments will be open to the public. "People can stop by and take a tour of the building, see the fire trucks, meet the firefighters, get handouts and ask questions," Mr. Pettyjohn said.
In addition to opening up their facility to visitors, the fire fighters are also going out around base to meet and talk to people and show their support for Fire Prevention Week.
Tuesday, Oct. 10
There will be a fire truck and a big slide for children set up between the Child Development Center and the Youth Center from 9-11:30. Kids, and adults are encouraged to come out and have fun while learning about fire prevention.
Wednesday, Oct. 11
"Bob the Fireman" will be at the Base Exchange from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and the Langley commissary from 2-3 p.m. to give out fire-prevention handouts.
Friday, Oct. 13
Come to the Bateman Library from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. where kids can see the fire truck that will be on display and meet "Bob the Fireman" as well as Sparky, the mascot, who will be handing out fire-prevention information.
Saturday, Oct. 14
Come to Millpoint Park in Hampton for the 2006 Five-Alarm Festival Chili Cookoff! This free event is open to the public and this year you can watch the Langley firefighters defend their title as the 2005 cook-off champions!