Keeping people educated on fire safety

The theme for this year's Fire Prevention Week focused on cooking fires which is the leading cause of home fires and injuries.

The Fire Prevention Division personnel and firefighters spent many hours last week educating the public through static displays, lectures, and demonstrations such as how to use fire extinguishers and smoke detectors. They also held numerous unannounced fire evacuation drills at various buildings on the base in an effort to increase fire prevention and safety awareness.

''We are visiting different areas aboard the base because we want people to think about fire safety this week and throughout the year. We really want to emphasize that kitchens are the No. 1 place that home fires start. And, most cooking fires occur because of unattended cooking. People should never leave food cooking on the stove unattended,'' explained NAS Jax Assistant Fire Chief of Prevention Charles McCoy.

Last week's events began with an open house at each fire station that ran throughout the week and a static display at the Navy Exchange Courtyard where Fire Prevention Division and firefighters passed out information on fire safety and answered questions about the fire fighting vehicle on display. They also promoted fire safety awareness with Pluggie, the fire hydrant, a unique remote-controlled device that talks, spins, blinks it's eyes and sprays water.

Three-year-old Jennifer Martinez happily gives Pluggie, the fire hydrant, a big hug at the Navy Exchange Courtyard Oct. 10. Pluggie was on hand to help education people about fire prevention.

''We are out here this week because it's Fire Prevention Week. Fire Prevention Week should be all year, but we set aside this week each year to coincide with the anniversary of the Great Chicago Fire. We provide information about fire safety and the importance of preventing fires,'' said Fire Inspector Robert Winchester. ''The theme this year is 'Prevent Cooking Fires, Watch What You Heat!'' Cooking fires are the No. 1 cause of house fires in the country and by promoting this theme, maybe next year the number of these fire will be reduced if we can educate people.''

The Fire Prevention Division and firefighters also visited the NAS Jax Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) Department Youth Activities Center where they gave the children a close-up look at one of their fire trucks while they explained each part of the truck and what it does. The children excitedly asked questions as they learned about all the gadgets and tools a firefighter uses. Firefighter Mike Brewer also put on his full fire fighting gear to show the children what he and the other firefighters wear during a fire. Brewer explained to the children that if they should see someone dressed like him during a fire and they are still in their house, to call out to him for help.

''I learned that you dial 911 when you see a fire and if there is a lot of smoke in the house, you should crawl out. And, if your clothes ever catch on fire you should cover your face and stop, drop and roll to put them out. The firemen are teaching us to know what to do if there is a fire,'' said 8-year-old Raven Jackson.

NAS Jax Child Development Center Education Technician Sandi Nissen leads a group of toddlers to check out one of the base's fire department trucks.

They also visited the Naval Hospital Jacksonville's Children's Ward to promote fire safety and to pass out information and red fire hats.

At the NAS Jax MWR Department Child Development Center last Thursday, firefighters taught the children that they should never play with matches or lighters and how to stop, drop and roll during a fire and to call 9-1-1 should a fire occur. Firefighter Alan Sarge demonstrated the gear firefighters have to wear to stay safe and allowed several children to try on his suit.

During the week, Fire Prevention Division personnel and firefighters conducted numerous unannounced fire drills at different buildings around the base. After each drill a brief critique was given on the results. ''When the alarm sounds, don't worry about your things, just calmly get out of the building. If you are in an office building, never use the elevator because you will be trapped in an elevator if there is a fire. Also, if you work in a sensitive area, it is your responsibility to secure everything within 30 seconds and exit the building. Once outside, muster in a designated area to ensure everyone made it out safely,'' said Fire Inspector Doug Williams to a group of employees after a fire drill at Building 919.

Fire Inspector Doug Williams gives a short brief to employees in Building 919 after a fire drill Oct. 11.

''Overall, the week was a great success and we had outstanding support from numerous firefighters in our department. The people here were very receptive to our displays and fire evacuation drills,'' said McCoy.

Each year, thousands of lives are lost and property is damaged due to fires. Learning some fire prevention facts will help put you on the same team as the fire department. It may also save you or your families lives or prevent your home from being destroyed in a fire. For more information on fire safety, call 542-3928.