The Presidio of Monterey (PoM) Fire Department hosted multiple educational events during Fire Prevention Week from October 7 to 12.
The events aimed to raise awareness about fire safety for civilians and service members across PoM and the Ord Military Community, located in California.
Among these activities, one notable event took place at the Porter Youth Center, where children participated in a fire safety briefing, met local firefighters, and interacted with firefighting equipment.
PoM firefighter Darian Ware emphasized the importance of fire awareness, telling the students: “If you ever see a fire, make sure you tell a parent or an adult as soon as you can.”
In addition to the Porter Youth Center, the PoM Fire Department visited other community locations, including Army and Navy child development centers in Seaside.
These visits were part of the department’s ongoing effort to ensure all children in the community receive vital fire safety training.
PoM Fire Prevention Inspector Wilfredo Sepulveda, who spoke at these events, stressed the importance of children knowing how to respond in case of an emergency.
He advised: “Families should make a home fire escape plan with two ways out of every room, and then practice an escape plan at least twice a year.”
Sepulveda also distributed informational booklets to both children and parents, reinforcing the importance of early fire education.
The PoM Fire Department’s community outreach extended to various locations, including the Ord Commissary and the PoM Fire Department, which held an open house as part of the week-long initiative.
During these interactions, the department provided essential fire prevention advice to local residents.
Key safety tips were shared by Sepulveda, including the correct use of fire extinguishers through the “PASS” method—pull, aim, squeeze, and sweep.
He also advised that smoke detectors should be replaced every 10 years, with batteries checked annually, and warned against improper use of extension cords and power strips.
Fire Prevention Week has been observed annually in the United States since President Calvin Coolidge’s 1925 proclamation, which memorialized the Great Chicago Fire of 1871.
This year’s theme, “Smoke alarms: make them WORK for you,” aligns with the national campaign to ensure communities are equipped with working smoke detectors and are well-informed on fire prevention measures.
The PoM Fire Department’s involvement in this national observance reflects their commitment to educating their local community and ensuring both children and adults are prepared in the event of a fire emergency.
The Presidio of Monterey Fire Department held educational events from October 7 to 12 during Fire Prevention Week 2024.
Activities included fire safety briefings for children at multiple community centers, with firefighters and fire prevention specialists emphasizing the importance of escape planning, fire extinguisher use, and smoke alarm maintenance.
Fire Prevention Inspector Wilfredo Sepulveda advised families to practice escape plans twice a year and ensure smoke alarms are functional.
The department’s efforts align with the national Fire Prevention Week, which promotes the theme, “Smoke alarms: make them WORK for you,” as part of a broader push for fire safety awareness.
