Base fire department offers tips for Fire Prevention Week Published Sept. 23, 2008 By Staff Sgt. Rodney D. Ivey 366th Fighter Wing Public Affairs Office MOUNTAIN HOME AIR FORCE BASE, Idaho -- It's time once again for Fire Prevention Week, which runs from Oct. 5 through Oct. 11, and the Mountain Home Air Force Base fire department has joined forces with the National Fire Protection Association, or NFPA, to remind Gunfighters of fire prevention techniques. The Mountain Home AFB Fire Prevention Week parade will take place on Oct. 6 at 3:30 p.m. to mark the beginning of the week and its many activities. The parade will begin in the parking lot across from bldg. 9315, travel through the housing areas and end at the golf course pavilion at 4:30 p.m. Children can meet Sparky the Fire Dog, and the fire department will provide cake, punch and balloons. The base fire department is offering tips this year on home fire escape plans and the use of smoke detectors. - Maintain working smoke detectors - Install smoke detectors on every level of the home, including the basement, and outside each sleeping area - Test detectors every month according to the manufacturer's directions and replace batteries twice a year or whenever a detector "chirps" to signal low battery power - Replace detectors that are more than 10 years old - Prepare for a fire emergency by having an escape plan - Have at least two unobstructed exits - doors and windows - from every room. (Do not include elevators in your escape plan) - Have entire household practice escape plan at least twice a year Gunfighters can learn more about escape plans and all forms of fire prevention by visiting the NFPA's official Fire Prevention Week Web site at www.nfpa.org.