Fire Prevention Week begins Oct. 9

  • Published
  • By by Airman 1st Class Nathan Byrnes
  • 99th Air Base Wing Public Affairs

Fire Prevention Week kicks off Oct. 9 and will go through Oct. 15. This year’s campaign, “Dont Wait – Check the Date! Replace Smoke Alarms Every 10 Years,” represents the final year of a three year effort to educate the public about essential elements of smoke alarm safety.

The Nellis-Creech Fire Department will be hosting events throughout the week to educate and bring awareness to the importance of fire safety.

“This year Nellis and Creech Air Force Bases began our events for Fire Prevention Week by participating in the National Night Out at the Nellis Housing Community Center,” said Norman Harp, 99th Civil Engineer Squadron fire inspector. “Other events planned include: Tuesday, Oct. 11, NCFD will be visiting Coral Academy where we’ll be bringing a Fire Truck and doing tours for the students. Sparky will also be there and we will be giving out some Fire Prevention items.”

Fire Prevention Week serves as an opportunity for the NCFD to present a fire safety message to help keep the people that live and work on Nellis and Creech safe.

“The Air Force is really good at making sure we don’t have fire incidents on base and the biggest reason is because of our fire prevention program,” said Tech Sgt. Justin King, 99th CES NCO in charge of logistics. “The outreach is so big in the community that we are able to get out there and give the right information on how to prevent fires.”

According to Harp, some of the most important tips to keep in mind when it comes to fire prevention include: If you have a fire or a medical emergency dial 911, have an escape plan and know what to do if you have a fire (extremely important for children), make sure you have a meeting place, test your smoke alarms monthly and make sure they are working properly. If your clothes catch on fire:  Stop, Drop, and Roll.

 “The NCFD, (2015 Department of Defense Large Fire Department of the Year), is here for the people that live and work on Nellis and Creech AFBs,” said Harp. “We do everything we can to keep your homes and workplaces fire safe. We have six fire stations, four at Nellis and two at Creech.  If at any time you have questions about fire safety please do not hesitate to stop any of us when you see us out and around base.”