Fire Inspector Ken Kunihiro, Federal Fire Department, reminds keiki and parents about the importance of fire safety during a previous Fire Prevention Week at Schofield Barracks. (Photo courtesy of Federal Fire Department)
"Not every hero wears a cape, so plan and practice your escape"
Federal Fire Department
Directorate of Emergency Services
U.S. Army Garrison Hawaii
The Federal Fire Department (FFD) is teaming up with the National Fire Protection Association, or NFPA, the official sponsor of Fire Prevention Week for more than 90 years, to promote this year’s Fire Prevention Week campaign, “Not Every Hero Wears a Cape. Plan and Practice Your Escape!”
The campaign works to educate everyone about the small but important actions they can take to keep themselves and those around them safe.
NFPA statistics show that in 2017 U.S. fire departments responded to 357,000 home structure fires. These fires caused 2,630 fire deaths and 10,600 fire injuries. On average, seven people died in a home fire per day during 2012 to 2016.
“These numbers show that home fires continue to pose a significant threat to safety,” said Lorraine Carli, NFPA’s vice president of Outreach and Advocacy. “In a typical home fire, you may have as little as one to two minutes to escape safely from the time the smoke alarm sounds. Escape planning and practice can help you make the most of the time you have, giving everyone enough time to get out.
While NFPA and FFD are focusing on home fires, these messages apply to virtually any location.
“Situational awareness is a skill people need to use wherever they go,” said Jeffrey Fernaays, Federal Fire Department Regional Fire Prevention Chief. “No matter where you are, look for available exits. If the alarm system sounds, take it seriously and exit the building immediately.”
FFD will be at the following locations in support of this year’s Fire Prevention Week campaign, “Not Every Hero Wears a Cape. Plan and Practice Your Escape!”
- Tuesday, Oct. 1, National Night Out at Hickam Ka Makani Community Center, 4-7 p.m.
- Saturday, Oct. 5, Fire Prevention Week kick-off event at Honolulu Zoo, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
- Friday, Oct. 11, National Night Out at Aliamanu Military Reservation Community Center, 4-6:30 p.m.
- Saturday, Oct. 12, Fire Prevention Week event at Schofield Barracks Base Exchange, 9 a.m.-12 noon.
- Saturday, Oct. 19, Fire Prevention Week event at Hickam Base Exchange, 9 a.m.-12 noon.
- Saturday, Oct. 19, Boofest at Bellows Air Force Station, 3-10 p.m.
To find out more about Fire Prevention Week programs and activities, please contact Battalion Chief Albert Balderama at 808-471-8004. For more information about Fire Prevention Week and home escape planning, visit www.fpw.org.