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 2015 Fire Prevention Week campaign will run from Oct. 4-10. This year's theme is "Hear the BEEP where you SLEEP: Every Bedroom Needs A Working Smoke Alarm!" It is all about keeping you, your family and the Desert Lightning community 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 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 home fires killed more than 2,755 people in 2013. Many of these deaths could have been prevented with the proper smoke alarm protection.

As a member of the fire service for 27 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:
· Install smoke alarms in every bedroom, outside each separate sleeping area, and on every level of the home, including the basement.
· Interconnect all smoke alarms throughout the home. When one sounds, they all sound.
· Test alarms each month by pushing the test button.
· Replace all smoke alarms that do not work properly.
· Make sure everyone in the home knows the sound and understands what to do when they hear the smoke alarm.

To learn more about the "Hear the BEEP where you SLEEP: Every Bedroom Needs A Working Smoke Alarm!" 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, Fire Safety information

· 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

· Thursday 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. AAFES Main Exchange
Fire truck static display, blood pressure checks, fire safety information, fire extinguisher demonstrations, child safety seat demonstration and Fire Detection and Suppression items   sponsored by AAFES

· Friday 9  to 11 a.m. School Age Program Bldg. 6006
 Fire truck static display, Public Education trailer and Sparky  
               
· Friday 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. Youth Center Bldg. 6000
 Fire truck static display, Public Education trailer and Sparky

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 section at 228-4333 or 228-6027 to schedule an appointment.