Fire Prevention Everyone's Responsibility

Published Oct. 12, 2006
By Col. Timothy Zadalis
43rd Airlift Wing commander

POPE AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. -- This week marked Fire Prevention Week and I can't stress enough the importance of checking your smoke detectors and making sure they are operational and that the batteries are good. According to the National Fire Protection Association, households with non-working smoke alarms now outnumber those with no smoke alarms.

The theme for this year is "Watch What You Heat." Statistics show cooking fires are the number one cause of home fires and the injuries that result. Of those fires, unattended cooking is the leading cause.

We recently had a cooking fire in base housing that could have been tragic. The member left their house with food cooking on the stovetop. Fortunately, there was no major damage but we all need to remember the dangers of leaving cooking food unattended.
I want to again thank everyone for your dynamic preparation and presentations during the Installation Excellence Team visit. Even though we didn't win, we are poised for tremendous success in the future.

Based on what I saw during IEA, I have no doubt we will give Gen. McNabb a fantastic visit. Without question, he will see what makes our Airmen the best in the Air Force, and what a great base we have. He will also see your pride and your motivation. Keep your story boards and maintain the same enthusiasm you displayed during the IEA team visit.

We will also have a Logistics Standardization and Evaluation Program inspection and an Aircrew Standardization and Evaluation visit. So, even though we didn't win IEA, we will still make history with our successes.

I would like to congratulate Charleston AFB, S.C., as they compete at the Air Force level.
Next, I would like to thank all the folks who came to my commander's calls. These won't be one-time events, especially with the upcoming BRAC changes. I want to stress to all of you, especially our civilian Total Force partners, that as soon as I get information I will provide it to you.

As Col. McDonald already eloquently encouraged you, I want to re emphasize the tremendous importance of giving to the CFC. Not only does this worth-while program gives us the ability to give to non-profit charitable organizations, but also to our very own Airman and Family Readiness Center, which does such a phenomenal job of taking care of our families when we are deployed.

Lastly, continue your hard work and dedication, Keep Safe and Be There for Your Wingman.

LBWA