Stopping fires by starting with youth

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Kristina Overton
  • 341st Missile Wing Public Affairs Office
MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. --  The Malmstrom fire department hosted several activities for Fire Prevention Week Oct. 4-10. 

This year's theme was "Stay Fire Smart! Don't Get Burned." 

The events focused on educating Malmstrom's youth on fire prevention methods, fire safety and evacuation plans. Children got to ride on a fire truck, tour the fire department, visit with Sparky the fire dog at the base library and the Child Development Center, and check out all the fire trucks during a parade Oct. 10. 

"Fire Prevention Week went well," said John Gilmore, 341st Civil Engineer Squadron assistant fire chief fire prevention. "Having the support of the community and other fire departments throughout the area, and having our Airmen and civilian firefighters' who put in a lot of off-duty time to play different roles and contribute to last week's events made it successful." 

Malmstrom's fire department was awarded Best Fire Prevention Program for Air Force Space Command at the Fire Chief's Conference in August, and Best Fire Department in Air Force Space Command for the second year in a row. 

"We loved working with the children," Mr. Gilmore said. "We try to teach them about fire prevention safety so they'll go home and pester mom and dad about it. That's what we want." 

Some fire prevention tips to keep in mind:
· Teach children to tell an adult when they find matches or lighters, and that those items are not toys. 

· Do not overload plugs or extension cords. If you cannot avoid using a number of power cords, be sure to use power strips with circuit breakers. 

· In case of a fire, do not panic. 

· Teach everyone to "get out and stay out" - to leave the house and never re-enter the building for any reason. Have a set home escape plan. 

· Be sure to include a meeting point and a place to call 9-1-1 to report the incident. 

· Remember to crawl low under smoke and to test door handles for warmth when inside a house or building where there might be a fire. 

"It's important to keep in mind that fire safety is important all year round, not just one week," Mr. Gilmore said. 

For more information about fire safety, go to www.firesafety.gov.