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Prevent cooking fires: Watch what you heat

  • Published
POPE AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. --  The 43rd Airlift Wing and Pope Fire Emergency Services are joining the National Fire Protection Association to "Prevent Cooking Fires: Watch What You Heat," this year's theme. During this year's Fire Prevention Week, firefighter and safety advocates will be spreading the word about the dangers of cooking fires, most of which result from
unattended cooking. 

In 2005, there were an estimated 1,602,000 reported fires in the United States, resulting in 3,675 deaths, 17,925 injuries and $10.6 billion in direct property damage. In the United States, a structural fire is reported every 80 seconds while someone dies from a fire every 143 minutes. According to the latest NFPA research, cooking is the leading cause of home fires. 

A fire can spread so rapidly that a quick escape from the home is necessary to increase the chance of survival. Upon the sound of the detector, you may have as little as two minutes to escape. 

Having a working smoke detector and a well-practiced home escape plan will ensure everyone knows exactly what to do if a fire occurs in the home. 

The Pope Fire Emergency Services will increase public awareness during Fire Prevention Week with a Fire Department open house, parade through base housing, Fire Safety Day and school visits by Sparky. 

Fire Emergency Services are emphasizing the follow safety tips:
- Stay in the kitchen when you are cooking
- Turn off the stove if you have to leave the room for even short periods of time
- When you are cooking, check it regularly and use timer
- When children are present, use the stove's back burners only
- Keep children and pets at least three feet away from the stove
- When you cook, wear clothing with tight-fitting sleeves
- Keep potholders away from your stovetops 

"I encourage all commanders and supervisors to get involved in the Fire Safety Program, said Col. Timothy Zadalis, 43rd AW commander. "A well-developed home fire escape plan that is practiced regularly could save lives in the event of a fire. Additionally, everyone should check all smoke detectors in their homes for proper operation." 

Fire Prevention Week Events
Oct. 10:
9 a.m. -- Opening ceremony/cake cutting/unveiling of fire prevention poster winner
5 p.m. -- Fire drill at Youth Center 

Oct. 11:
9 a.m. -- Fire drill at Child Development Center and visit from Sparky and the fire truck
10 a.m. -- Fire drill at Pre-school and visit from Sparky and the fire truck
3:30 p.m. -- Fire drill at After School Program 

Oct. 12:
9 a.m. -- Fire evacuation at Pope Elementary with a visit from Sparky and the fire truck
10:30 a.m. -- Story time at the library with a visit from Sparky and the fire truck
1 p.m. -- City of Fayetteville Fire Department puppet show at Pope Elementary
3:30 p.m. -- Visit from Sparky and the fire truck at the Youth Center
5 p.m. -- Military Family Housing parade 

The Pope Fire Department is holding Open House every day during Fire Prevention Week. The hours of operations are 9 to 11 a.m., and 1 to 3 p.m. Large groups can schedule with the Fire Department at 394-2467. 

Fire safety inspection of Military Family Housing is available by appointment Oct. 10 through 13. Please call the Fire Prevention Section for an appointment at 394-1435 or 394-4778. 

(Courtesy of the 43rd Civil Engineer Squadron)