Fire prevention week focuses on kitchen safety

by Staff Sgt. Emerson Nuñez
51st Fighter Wing Public Affairs

10/10/2013 - OSAN AIR BASE, Republic of Korea -- -- The 51st Civil Engineer Squadron Fire Emergency Services Flight hosted several activities in observance of this year's fire prevention week which kicked off Oct. 6.

With the goal of educating the public about fire safety, President Woodrow Wilson issued the fire prevention week proclamation in 1922 and it and has been observed ever since.

Every year, a different theme is designated for the weekly observance.

"This year's theme for fire safety is preventing kitchen fires," said Staff Sgt. Christopher Haenelt, 51st CES fire inspector. "Kitchen fires are the number one cause of fires worldwide, mainly due to food being left unattended while cooking. So we are giving people tips on how to combat and prevent kitchen fires."

During the vehicle extrication demonstration that kicked off this year's fire prevention week, firefighters showcased the steps they would take to remove a victim from a vehicle involved in a serious accident. To accomplish this task they used and displayed a variety of tools and equipment at their disposal, including the Jaws of Life.

"If you get in an accident, and we have to extract you, we would come out and use any of the techniques that we displayed," said Staff Sgt. Jacob Barrey, 51st CES crew chief. "If need be, we can get a victim out of a vehicle in 5 to 10 minutes."

Every year, fire departments across the country hold fire education and awareness events.

Osan firefighters and Sparky the fire dog will be visiting the Child Development Center, Osan Elementary school, and the youth center to educate children understand that firefighters are here to help and not as scary as they may appear.

Here a few tips on fire safety from the National Fire Protection Association:

· Be on alert! If you are sleepy or have consumed alcohol, don't use the stove or stovetop
· Stay in the kitchen while you are frying, grilling, or broiling food. If you leave the kitchen for even a short period of time, turn off the stove
· If you are simmering, baking, roasting or boiling food, check it regularly, remain in the home while food is cooking, and use a timer to remind yourself when the food will be ready
· Keep anything that can catch fire; oven mitts, wooden utensils, food packaging, towels or curtains, away from your stovetop