SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, Germany -- The Spangdahlem Air Base Fire Department will lead Fire Prevention Week Oct. 8-14 2017 with the theme “Every Second Counts: Plan 2 Ways Out!” This event will emphasize the importance of developing a home fire escape plan with all members of the household and practicing it twice a year.
During Fire Prevention Week, the fire department will provide educational material and information on the leading causes of home fires, how to protect homes and families with life-saving technologies, and the importance of home escape planning.
“I urge each and every one of you to protect your homes and families by heeding the important safety messages of this national campaign, and to support the many public safety activities and efforts of our Fire and Emergency Services flight,” said Col. Jason Bailey, 52nd Fighter Wing commander.
Fire Prevention Week commemorates the Great Chicago Fire of 1871. On the 40th anniversary of that fire, the Fire Marshals Association of North America sponsored the first National Fire Prevention Day, observing the anniversary to keep the public informed about the importance of fire prevention.
When President Calvin Coolidge proclaimed the first National Fire Prevention Week Oct. 4-10, 1925, he noted in the previous year, approximately 15,000 lives’ were lost to fires in the United States. Calling the loss startling, Coolidge's proclamation stated, "This waste results from the conditions which 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 which have made possible so vast a destruction of the national wealth.”
The Spangdahlem Fire Dept. will hold the following events throughout the week:
Oct. 10, 9:30 a.m.-10:30 a.m. – Child Development Center/Family Daycare visit with fire truck and Sparky, the fire departments mascot.
Oct. 11, 8:30 a.m.-2:00 p.m. – Spangdahlem Elementary with a full day of fire safety demos and giveaways.
Oct. 12, 10:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m. Story time at Base Library.
Oct. 14, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Spangdahlem Base Exchange and Commissary event.
For additional information, contact the Spangdahlem Fire Prevention Office at DSN 452-5292 or commercial 0656561-5292.