VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- The Vandenberg Fire Department will recognize National Fire Prevention Week, here, Oct. 9 through 15.
This year's theme is "Don’t Wait: Check the Date! Replace Smoke Alarms Every 10 Years ".
“We all should know the life-saving impact of smoke alarms and the tragedy that can result when smoke alarms aren’t working,” said Jason Haddock, 30th Civil Engineer Squadron Fire Department risk division chief. “That’s why we’re making a concerted effort to educate Team V about the life span of smoke alarms.”
It is common knowledge to replace smoke alarm batteries, but this year the 30th CES aims to inform people to also be aware of the expiration date on the smoke alarm itself.
“Everyone should know to change your smoke alarm’s batteries twice a year, but what they may not realize is that there is an actual manufacturer’s date on your smoke alarm and they’re only good for about 10 years,” said Robert Edwards, 30th CES Fire Department fire inspector. “We want to make sure people know to check the date on the alarms in their house and change them out a year in advance, because they can become a lot less effective as time goes on.”
Many of the week’s events are interactive, fostering hands-on familiarization and team building among base members.
“We go around to all of the schools and get the children involved, focusing on escape plans and how and when to call 911,” said John Cunningham, 30th CES Fire Department fire inspector. “We also will be bringing our education trailer to the Youth Center, which is a simulation trailer of a house that we can smoke up, artificially heat up the door and set off the alarms, to teach children and adults the safest way to respond -- if in a similar situation.”
Due to California's susceptibility to intense droughts and the recent wildfires on VAFB property, members of Team-V are reminded to stay safe and practice fire prevention at all times.
“Once a year the spotlight is on fire prevention and educating the public about fire safety,” said Cunningham. “It’s always been an important week, but this year specifically we want to accentuate how important practicing fire safety is year round.”
The week's events include:
Oct. 11 – Sparky and Smokey visit Wing Leadership at Headquarters 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.
Information Display at the Commissary and BX 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
20 minute “Fire Safety Home Walk-Throughs” for housing occupants 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Oct. 12 – Crestview Elementary School assembly 8:45 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
Youth Center with Education Trailer 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
20 minute “Fire Safety Home Walk-Throughs” for housing occupants 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Oct. 13 – Child Development Center visit with Sparky and fire truck 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.
Manzanita School assembly 12:15 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
20 minute “Fire Safety Home Walk-Throughs” for housing occupants 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Base housing parade. Meeting area is small parking lot north of Commissary at 4:30 p.m. with the parade starting at 5:00 p.m.
For more information or to schedule a fire safety home walk-through in your base house, please call 805-606-4680.