Not every hero wears capes, plan and practice your escape

  • Published
  • By Ahmet Kahraman
  • 39th Civil Engineer Squadron
INCIRLIK AIR BASE, Turkey --  

Incirlik Air Base Fire and Emergency Services are teaming up with the National Fire Protection Association—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 per day died in a home fire 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 the Incirlik Air Base Fire & Emergency Services 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 Ahmet Kahraman, Assistant Chief of Fire Prevention. “No matter where you are, look for available exits. If the alarm system sounds, take it seriously and exit the building immediately.”

The Incirlik Air Base Fire & Emergency Services is hosting a series of events in support of this year’s Fire Prevention Week campaign, “Not Every Hero Wears a Cape. Plan and Practice Your Escape!” including Fire Prevention display at BX Parking Lot from 10:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. from Oct. 7-11. Also the Fire Department is slated to open for group tours Monday through Friday, on Oct. 7-11 from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.  

To find out more about Fire Prevention Week programs and activities in Incirlik Air Base, please contact the Incirlik Air Base Fire & Emergency Services at DSN #676-3021; COMM 316-3021.  For more general information about Fire Prevention Week and home escape planning, visit www.fpw.org.