Thursday, October 01, 2015

Commander issues Fire Prevention Week proclamation

Release Number: 011015

10/1/2015 - JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, Alaska -- JBER Public Affairs Staff Report

In preparation for Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson's Fire Prevention Week, Oct. 4 through 10, the 673d Air Base Wing and JBER commander, Air Force Col. Brian Bruckbauer issued the following proclamation:

Wheras, Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska is committed to ensuring the safety and security of all those living in and visiting JBER; and Wheras, fire is a serious public safety concern both locally and nationally, and homes are the locations where people are at greatest risk from fire; and Wheras, home fires killed 2,755 people in the United States in 2013, according to the National Fire Protection Association, and fire departments in the United States responded to 369,500 home fires; and Wheras, working smoke alarms cut the risk of dying in reported home fires in half; and Wheras, three out of five home fire deaths result from fires in properties without workWheras, in one-fifth of all homes with smoke alarms, none were working; and Wheras, when smoke alarms should have operated but did not do so it was usually because batteries were missing, disconnected, or dead; and Wheras, half of home fire deaths result from fires reported at night between 11 p.m. and 7 a.m. when most people are asleep; and Wheras, JBER residents should install smoke alarms in every sleeping room, outside each separate sleeping area, and on every level of the home; and Wheras, JBER residents should install smoke alarms and alert devices that meet the needs of people who are deaf or hard of hearing; and Wheras, JBER residents who have planned and practiced a home fire escape plan are more prepared and will therefore be more likely to survive a fire; and Wheras, JBER's first responders are dedicated to reducing the occurrence of home fires and home fire injuries through prevention and protection education; and Wheras, JBER's residents are responsive to public education measures and are able to take personal steps to increase their safety from fire, especially in their homes; and Wheras, the 2015 Fire Prevention Week theme, "Hear the Beep Where You Sleep: Every Bedroom Needs a Working Smoke Alarm!" effectively serves to remind us that we need working smoke alarms to give us the time to get out safely.

Therefore, I, Brian R. Bruckbauer, commander of JBER, do hereby proclaim Oct. 4 through 10 as Fire Prevention Week throughout this city, and I urge all the people of JBER to install smoke alarms in every bedroom, outside each sleeping area, and on every level of the home, including the basement and to support the many public safety activities and efforts of JBER's fire and emergency services during Fire Prevention Week 2015.

Visit the information booth and display focused on fire prevention and safety Monday through Thursday at the main Exchange from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
An open house featuring fire and rescue vehicle demonstrations, give-aways, hotdogs, beverages and cake will take place Oct. 10 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Fire Station 4; with another open house Oct. 11 from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Fire Station 1.

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