Variety of events planned for Fire Prevention Week

Published Oct. 1, 2009
By Susan Griggs
81st Training Wing Public Affairs

KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. -- "Stay Fire Safe -- Don't Get Burned" is the theme for National Fire Prevention Week.
The observance, which starts Sunday and runs through Oct. 10, began in 1925 with a proclamation signed by President Calvin Coolidge that commemorates the Great Chicago Fire of 1871.

"This year's theme focuses on burn awareness and prevention, as well as keeping homes safe from the leading causes of home fires," said James Palmer Jr., assistant chief of fire prevention for Keesler Fire Emergency Services. "According to the National Fire Protection Association, 3,000 people die each year as a result of fires and burns and more than 2 million individuals are seen in the nation's emergency rooms for burn injuries.

"With a little extra caution, preventing the leading causes of home fires cooking, heating, electrical and smoking materials is possible and within our power here at Keesler," Chief Palmer added. "We're encouraging the Keesler community to check their work facilities and homes for fire hazards."

Keesler observes Fire Prevention Week with a variety of activities. No-notice fire drills are conducted throughout all base facilities. Literature, fire hats and handouts are available at most events.

Monday
7:30 a.m. -- Smokey the Bear and Sparky the Fire Dog visit 81st Training Wing headquarters.
9 a.m. -- Smokey and Sparky visit Keesler Medical Center and pediatric clinic.
1:30 p.m. -- Smokey and Sparky visit main base exchange; stove and fire extinguisher demonstration, fire drill, firefighter bunker equipment demonstrations and fire truck display.
3 p.m. -- Smokey and Sparky visit Cabell Drive cul-de-sac in Bay Ridge housing area; stove and fire extinguisher demonstration, fire drill, firefighter bunker equipment demonstrations and fire truck display.

Tuesday
9 a.m. -- Smokey and Sparky visit child development center; fire drill and photo session with fire truck.
3 p.m. -- Smokey and Sparky visit McNarney cul-de-sac in Thrower Park housing area; stove and fire extinguisher demonstration, fire drill, firefighter bunker equipment demonstrations and fire truck display.
4 p.m. -- Smokey and Sparky visit youth Center with fire truck.

Wednesday
9 a.m. -- Smokey and Sparky visit family day care center; stove fire extinguisher demonstration and fire truck display.
10:30 a.m. -- Smokey and Sparky visit mini BX; fire drill, extinguisher demonstration, firefighter bunker and equipment demonstration.
1 p.m. -- Smokey and Sparky visit Sand Hill off-base military family housing; stove fire demonstration.
3:30 p.m. --- Smokey and Sparky visit Adams cul-de-sac in West Falcon Park; Smokey and Sparky visit, stove, fire extinguisher demonstration and fire truck display.

Oct. 8
9 a.m. -- Smokey and Sparky visit walk through other base facilities.
1 p.m. -- Smokey and Sparky visit commissary; fire drill and fire extinguisher demonstrations.
3 p.m. -- Smokey and Sparky visit Garfield Avenue and Givens Drive in East Falcon Park; stove and fire extinguisher demonstration and fire truck display.

Oct. 9
10 a.m. -- fire muster in marina park with fire truck static display. For muster registration and rules, call 377-2627 or 8440.
Oct. 10
10 a.m. to 2 p.m. -- fire department open house, Building 4216; Smokey and Sparky greet visitors, fire truck rescue, structural fire demonstrations, fire truck rides, fire truck static displays (structural and crash), fire "safe house" tour, fire prevention literature, fire hats, games, door prizes, giveaways, free hot dogs, popcorn and soft drinks.