DAVIS-MONTHAN AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. -- When was the last time you tested the smoke alarms in your home? Was it last week? Last month? A year ago?

The 2016 Fire Prevention Week campaign will run from Oct. 9-15. This year’s theme is “Don’t Wait – Check the Date! Replace Smoke Alarms Every 10 Years,” It is all about keeping you, your family, and the Desert Lightning Team safe from a fire.

If you’re like many people, you may not remember the last time you tested your smoke alarm. Smoke alarms have become such a common feature of U.S. households that they’re often taken for granted, and are not tested and maintained as frequently as they should be.

Working smoke alarms are a critical fire safety tool that can mean the difference between life and death in a home fire. According to the nonprofit National Fire Protection Association, smoke alarms can reduce the chances of dying in a home fire by half. Meanwhile, NFPA data shows that three of every five home fire deaths resulted from fires in homes with no smoke alarms (38%) or no working smoke alarms (21%). Many of these deaths could have been prevented with the proper smoke alarm protection.

As a member of the fire service for 28 years, I’ve seen the devastating effects of fire firsthand: the burn injuries, the loss of homes and the destruction of other people’s possessions are distressing. What’s even worse is witnessing a family’s anguish after a loved one has been killed in a fire. It’s heartbreaking.

“This year, we will concentrate our efforts on how to best provide continuous fire safety education and public awareness information as we strive to deliver world class fire emergency services,” said Todd Canale, 355th Civil Engineer Squadron fire chief. “It’s a great honor to be part of this year’s campaign and we hope the entire Desert Lightning Team takes advantage of the free events scheduled throughout the week.”

My sincere hope is that the entire Davis-Monthan community participates in one or more of our Fire Prevention Week activities, and makes sure that there are working smoke alarms installed throughout their homes. These simple steps can help make a lifesaving difference, and prevent the potentially life-threatening impact of fire.

Here are additional smoke alarm tips to follow:
• Smoke alarms should be replaced every 10 years.
• Make sure you know how old all the smoke alarms are in your home.
• To find out how old a smoke alarm is, look at the date of manufacture on the back of the alarm; the alarm should be replaced 10 years from that date

To learn more about the “Don’t Wait – Check the Date! Replace Smoke Alarms Every 10 Years,” campaign, visit NFPA’s web site at www.firepreventionweek.org.

The following is a list of scheduled activities that will take place during Fire Prevention Week:

• Monday 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Commissary
Fire truck static display, blood pressure checks, and fire safety information handouts
• Tuesday 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. Child Development Center Bldg. 2612
Fire truck static display with Sparky & Pumper
• Wednesday 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. Child Development Center Bldg. 2614
Fire truck static display with Sparky & Pumper
5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Open House HQ Fire Station One
Fire station tours, fire trucks displays, fire safety education trailer, and fire safety information handouts
• Thursday 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. School Age Program Bldg. 6006
Fire truck static display, fire safety education trailer and Sparky
• Thursday 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Youth Center Bldg. 6000
Fire truck static display, fire safety education trailer and Sparky
• Friday 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. AAFES Main Exchange
Fire truck static display, blood pressure checks, fire safety information handouts, fire extinguisher demonstrations, child safety seat demonstration and fire detection and suppression items sponsored by AAFES


It is important to remember that fire safety starts in the home. If you have any questions or would like to arrange an in-home fire safety visit, please contact the Davis-Monthan Fire Emergency Services Flight, Fire Prevention Division at 228-4333/6027 to schedule an appointment.