Life saving education Published Sept. 28, 2009 By SSgt Christopher W. Engelke Fairchild AFB Fire Prevention Office FAIRCHILD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. -- Every year fire departments spanning the globe make it their mission to dedicate one week towards educating as many people as possible on fire safety and other fire related topics. This week is known as National Fire Prevention Week and will be held October 4 to 10. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) is a nonprofit organization that is a key player in setting guidelines the fire industry uses to conduct our jobs on a day-to-day basis. This year's slogan and focal point is "Stay fire smart! Don't get burned". To help everyone understand the purpose and importance behind these annual campaigns here is a brief history on National Fire Prevention Week and some helpful fire safety tips. On Oct. 9, 1871, the Great Chicago Fire started. This tragic fire killed more than 250 people, left 100,000 homeless and destroyed more than 17,000 structures. On what was the 54th Anniversary year of that very fire our 30th President Calvin Coolidge proclaimed the first National Fire Prevention Week (Oct. 4-10, 1925). His proclamation stated, "This waste results from conditions that justify a sense of shame and horror; for the greater part of it could and ought to be prevented.... It is highly desirable that every effort be made to reform the conditions that have made possible so vast a destruction of the national wealth." In translation the Great Chicago Fire could have and should have been prevented by simply educating the general public and enforcing guidelines to help minimize the loss of life and property. Since President Calvin Coolidge's proclamation National Fire Prevention Week has always been the week in October that the 9th falls on to always remember the Great Chicago Fire. It is sad to see that major events like the Great Chicago Fire and other tragic events over the last 138 years have to happen in order to force ourselves to step back and make decisions that change the way we live our lives and conduct business. Soon cold weather will be here and more people will be enjoying activities indoors more frequently such as going to the movies or restaurants instead of a picnic or camping for example. So the next time you are out and about we want you to be aware of your surroundings. Look for the following and ask yourself some of these fire related safety questions anywhere you go. Look at the building, before entering; does the building appear in good stable condition? Are doors/windows blocked or chained up from the outside? When inside a building know where your exits are located and look to see if travel routes to and through these exits are accessible and free of clutter. If not speak with an employee or manager to have these issues addressed immediately or leave. Look at what fire protection features are present such as sprinklers, smoke detectors, fire extinguishers, exit signs, etc. Test your home smoke detectors monthly and change their batteries whenever you reset your clocks for daylight savings time. Remember it is better to be safe than sorry. If you have any questions, comments, or concerns please contact our helpful, knowledgeable staff at the Fairchild AFB Fire Department at 247-5215 and we will be happy to help.