JOINT BASE CHARLESTON, S.C. –
Joint Base Charleston - Weapons Station, hosted a fire prevention fun day fair in recognition of national fire prevention week, Tuesday, Oct. 5. Lowcountry Charleston firefighters were joined by several surrounding area fire departments in an effort to increase the awareness of fire safety.
Charleston area firefighters provided tours, refreshments and answers to questions from patrons throughout the event, explaining how they use certain equipment to effectively fight fires and save lives.
"The overall goal for the event is education. People forget how important fire safety can be," said Fire Inspector Edmund Beach, JB CHS-WS. "People can get complacent about fire safety and events like these help us teach fire prevention tips that could save their lives one day."
One of many topics stressed at the fair was smoke alarm safety.
"Most deaths in fires occur due to the alarm not working, or a home not having one," said Mr. Beach. "One tip that we are stressing is that fire alarms should be replaced every 10 years, not many people know that."
Mr. Beach also explained that the batteries should be changed out twice a year, and one good way of remembering is to change them during daylight saving times--spring and fall.
According to the National Fire Prevention Association, nearly 3,000 people die in United States due to house fires. Between 2003 and 2006 two-thirds of deaths from house fires were a result of homes with no working smoke alarms or without alarms completely. In 2008, 83 percent of all fire deaths and 79 percent of fire injuries resulted from house fires.
"We definitely want people that come to this event to have fun, but we hope that they are learning something before they leave," said Assistant Fire Chief Milton Pollard. "Fire safety is no laughing matter and people should not take it lightly."
The event was partnered by Balfour Beatty Communities and Naval Support Activity Charleston's Safety Department.