TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. --
The Tinker Air Force Base Fire and Emergency Services observed the 101st annual Fire Prevention Week October 8-14, 2023, helping to educate Airmen, children and families about how to stay safe in case of a fire.
Fire Prevention Week takes place each year during the week of Oct. 9th in accordance with the National Fire Protection Association to commemorate the “Great Chicago Fire” of 1871. The week of observance is also used to educate communities on the importance of fire safety.
This year’s theme is “cooking safety starts with you.” With the help of the fire department and the base our surrounding community is provided education as an effort to drastically decrease casualties caused by fires.
“We're like your friendly fire safety coach, hoping you'll take away practical knowledge on preventing fires and protecting your loved ones,” said Jason McKnight, Assistant Fire Chief of Health and Safety. “It's all about giving you the tools to be your family's safety hero.”
The base fire department and ‘Sparky the Fire Dog’ worked to spread the word across the community with visits on base including the 72nd Air Base Wing headquarters building, Tinker Youth Center, Base Exchange, the Oklahoma City Air Logistics Complex and local Child Development Centers.
Students at Tinker Elementary School also received a visit from firefighters October 11. Tinker Fire Engine 4 stopped by for students to take a picture in front of, meet Sparky the Fire Dog and experience what it was like to use a fire hose. Students also received fire prevention goodies before heading back to the classroom.
“My favorite part of Fire Prevention Week is when we engage with children, answering their curious questions, letting them explore fire trucks, and watching their eyes light up as they spray water from the fire hose,” said McKnight. “Seeing their excitement and joy makes this week special—it's about inspiring the next generation to be fire safety champions.”
Fire officials encourage all residents to embrace the 2023 Fire Prevention Week theme, and offers these key safety tips to help reduce the risks of a cooking fire:
- Always keep a close eye on what you are cooking.
- Turn pot handles toward the back of the stove.
- Always keep a lid nearby when cooking and if a small grease fire starts, slide the lid over the pan and turn off the burner.
- Have a kid-and pet-free zone of at least three feet around the stove or grill and anywhere else hot food or drink is prepared or carried.
To learn more about Fire Prevention Week or fire and home safety, visit https://www.nfpa.org/fpw.