Hanscom AFB Fire Prevention Week

  • Published
  • By Mark Herlihy
  • 66th Air Base Group

Base officials will recognize Fire Prevention Week here from Oct. 6 to 12.

This year’s campaign, “Smoke alarms: Make them work for you!” promotes education, awareness and the importance of smoke alarms in homes.

“Fire Prevention Week is an annual awareness campaign which commemorates the Great Chicago Fire of 1871,” said Casey Videtto, 66th Civil Engineering Division Fire Emergency Services fire prevention and life safety inspector. “During this week, we promote community engagement and invite everyone to take part in their own fire safety discussions to reduce the occurrence of fire related tragedy to people or property.”

Local fire departments play a key role in sharing basic fire safety messages and educating the public on how to minimize fires in their homes.

According to the National Fire Protection Association, having functioning smoke alarms in the home reduces the risk of death in a home fire by more than fifty percent.

“A smoke detector can only help you if it is working,” Videtto said. “I encourage everyone to test their smoke detectors monthly and more importantly, replace inoperable or out of date smoke alarms as soon as possible.”

Fire department officials have planned events and activities to promote fire prevention throughout the week.

  •  Oct. 7, 6:45-7:45 a.m. The Fire Prevention Team and Sparky will hand out pens at the Ruiz Gate
  • Fire Prevention Team and Sparky will hand out pens at the Sartain Gate, Tuesday, Oct. 8 from 6:45 a.m. to 7:45 a.m.
  • Touch-A-Truck at the Child Development Center with Sparky, Wednesday, Oct. 9 from 8 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
  • Fire extinguisher simulator and booth at Hanscom AFB Exchange, Thursday, Oct. 10 from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
  • Story time with Sparky and Friendly Firefighter at the Primary School, Friday Oct. 11 from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m.

For more information, contact the Hanscom Fire Department at 781-225-5600.