Working fire alarms save lives Published Oct. 10, 2014 By Staff Sgt. Karla V. Lehman 94th Airlift Wing Public Affair DOBBINS AIR RESERVE BASE, Ga. -- The 94th Civil Engineer Squadron firefighters showed Dobbins the importance of fire safety during Fire Prevention Week here Oct. 6 through 10. This year's theme was "Working Smoke Alarms Save Lives; Test Yours Every Month." According to the National Fire Protection Association, home fires killed more than 2,300 people in the United States in 2012. Three out of five home fire deaths resulted from fires in properties without working smoke alarms. Working smoke alarms cut the risk of dying in reported home fires in half. "Fire prevention helps individuals by making them more conscientious of their daily practices concerning fire prevention and life safety," said Michael Hodgson, 94th Civil Engineer Squadron assistant fire chief. "This is the most important week of the year for the fire service to market fire prevention to our respective service areas." The fire prevention week was put into action by Col. Brett Clark, 94th Airlift Wing commander. "I urge all the members of the Dobbins community to test their smoke alarms at least every month by pushing the test button, and supporting many public safety activities and efforts of Dobbins Fire Emergency Services during fire prevention week," stated Clark. Dobbins Fire Emergency Services primary objective is to eliminate or minimize loss of life and property by fire, said Hodgson. This can best be accomplished if all personnel realize that fire prevention is not exclusively an assigned duty, but a shared responsibility of all personnel assigned, employed or temporarily residing on this installation. Evacuation drills will be held every day during fire prevention week at Dobbins facilities. Fire prevention activities will be taken to the Base Exchange throughout the week from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., featuring the following events: grease fire demonstrator, fire extinguisher training and "Pluggie" the Fireplug. Fire prevention tips Prevention and early detection are the best ways to protect your family from fire, according to Dobbins Fire and Emergency Services. You can accomplish this by doing the following: --Know the fire reporting number in your area. Most places is 9-1-1. --Know two ways out in order to escape in the event of fire. --When cooking, always have a lid and never leave the stove unattended. --Learn how to use a fire extinguisher, remember the acronym P.A.S.S. which stands for Pull the pin, Aim the nozzle, Squeeze the handle, and Sweep from side to side. --When using a portable space heater, keep a 3-foot clearance around anything that is combustible. --Keep all escape routes clear and accessible at all times. --Test your smoke detectors on a monthly basis to ensure that they work properly, if they don't, have them serviced or replace as this is your first line of defense in the event of fire in your homes.
