• The 97th Civil Engineer Squadron fire department hosted various activities on base to promote Fire Prevention Week • Throughout the week, Sparky the Fire Dog and 97th CES firefighters visited various parts of the base
Photos
ALTUS AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- Sparky the fire dog from the 97th Civil Engineer Squadron fire department, interacts with children from the driver seat of a fire truck at the Child Development Center, Oct. 9, 2012. Sparky was visiting the children of the CDC to educate them about fire prevention. The week of Oct. 8-12 is known as Fire Prevention Week, during which the 97th CES fire department visits various areas of the base to promote fire prevention. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Kenneth W. Norman / Released)
ALTUS AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. – Jeff Wilson, 97th Civil Engineer Squadron fire department inspector speaks to Lukas Decoteau while he practices escape routes at L. Mendel Rivers Elementary School, Oct. 10, 2012 during Fire Prevention Week. Lukas was practicing emergency escape routes as part of the 2012 theme, “Have 2 Ways Out!” Fire Prevention Week is held annually to promote fire safety and prevention through classes and demonstrations given throughout the base. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Levin Boland / Released)
ALTUS AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. – Chief Master Sgt. David Fish, 97th Air Mobility Wing command chief, pulls a mannequin from a simulated burning building during the Group Commander’s Challenge as part of Fire Prevention Week, Oct. 11, 2012. Fish partnered with Lt. Col. Tanya Anderson, 97th Civil Engineer Squadron commander, during the simulated rescue mission to experience the difficulties firefighters face in emergency situations. Fire Prevention Week is held annually to promote fire safety and prevention through activities and demonstrations held throughout the base. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Levin Boland / Released)
ALTUS AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. – Lt. Col. Trent Falon, 97th Force Support Squadron commander, and Master Sgt. Christopher Johnson, 97th FSS first sergeant, use a fire hose to knock down a target during the Squadron Commander’s Challenge as part of Fire Prevention Week, Oct. 11, 2012. Falon and Johnson participated in an obstacle course to get a glimpse at some of the challenges firefighters go through in emergency situations. Fire Prevention Week is held annually to promote fire safety and prevention through activities and demonstrations held throughout the base. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Levin Boland / Released)
ALTUS AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- Airmen from the 97th Logistics Readiness Squadron material management flight participate in the Rescue Randy race as part of the Fire Prevention Week Muster at Wings of Freedom Park, Oct. 12, 2012. The Muster events were made to simulate some of the challenges firefighters experience during emergency situations. Fire Prevention Week is held annually to promote fire safety and prevention through activities and demonstrations held throughout the base. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Kenneth W. Norman / Released)
ALTUS AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- 2nd Lt. Tim Lord, 97th Civil Engineer Squadron programmer, participates in the Bucket Brigade event during the Fire Prevention Week Muster at Wings of Freedom Park, Oct. 12, 2012. The Muster is held annually to allow members of Altus AFB to get a glimpse of some of the challenges firefighters experience during emergency situations. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Kenneth W. Norman / Released)
ALTUS AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. – Meltri Allday, spouse of Billy Allday, 97th Civil Engineer Squadron fire inspector, hands out supplies to children during the 97th CES fire department open house at the base fire department, Oct. 13, 2012. The base fire department held an open house to educate children about fire safety. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Franklin R. Ramos / Released)
by Airman 1st Class Klynne Pearl Serrano
97th Air Mobility Wing
10/16/2012 - ALTUS AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- The 97th Civil Engineer Squadron fire department hosted various activities on base to promote Fire Prevention Week's theme "Have Two Ways Out" from Oct. 7-13.
According to the National Fire Protection Association website, this year's theme "focuses on the importance of fire escape planning and practice."
Throughout the week, Sparky the Fire Dog and 97th CES firefighters visited the base Child Development Center, Youth Center, and L. Mendel Rivers Elementary School.
It is important that younger children have a better understanding of the danger and hazards that matches and lighters can cause in the household, said Airman 1st Class Anthony Smith, 97th CES fire protection apprentice.
"The reality is that when fire strikes, your home could be engulfed in smoke and flames in just a few minutes," according to the NFPA website.
The 97th CES fire department organized hands-on events to educate children about being prepared for emergency situations and how to evacuate buildings.
"We had a trailer that demonstrated a smoke alarm and we also had other activities here at the station as well," Smith said.
Squadron and Group commanders also had the opportunity to participate in Fire Prevention Week activities.
The annual Group Commander's Challenge was held Oct. 11, where squadron and group commanders and first sergeants simulated rescue missions to experience the difficulties firefighters endure when in emergency situations.
The fire department also put together the annual Fire Prevention Week Muster where members of Altus AFB were able to compete as teams.
The Fire Muster was held Oct. 12 and included a bunker drill, Bucket Brigade, Rescue Randy and Hot Shot which are all events that simulate challenges firefighters may face during emergency situations.
Fire Prevention Week's finale included a parade and an open house Oct. 13.
"It went really good," said Billy Allday, 97th CES fire inspector. "[Fire Prevention Week] is very personal to me. I'd like to thank the Wing, groups, and squadrons for their support. They played a big part in the success of Fire Prevention Week."
To learn more about "Have Two Ways Out" and fire prevention visit NFPA's website at www.firepreventionweek.org or contact the base fire department at 481-6333.
