Make fire prevention an ongoing priority Published April 27, 2009 By Chris Aguinaldo Hickam Kukini editor HICKAM AIR FORCE BASE, Hawaii -- While the recent Out of Cycle Fire Prevention Week has sparked attention to possible hazards, the need for vigilance is not over, said Hickam Fire Emergency Services officials. Assistant Chief George Crowder emphasizes that the effort is called "Fire Prevention is an All Year Awareness Program: Plug into Fire Safety!" underscoring that a blaze can happen any time of year. In particular, Chief Crowder hopes that people take the time to check their homes. "Based on the Team Hickam Fire Prevention Plan 2009 signed by [15th Airlift Wing Commander] Col. Giovanni Tuck, the emphasis for April 2009 should be housekeeping," said the fire chief. And for good reason, as a fire can completely engulf a building in minutes. Moreover, a residential fire occurs in the United States every 67 seconds, according to fire officials. In addition, smoking is the leading cause of fires in structures. The following tips on housekeeping and smoking is provided by Hickam Fire Emergency Services. Housekeeping safety · Ensure that the home's emergency exits and fire extinguishers are easily accessible · Ensure tools, small parts/equipment are neatly arranged away from aisles · Ensure drawers and cabinet doors are closed when not in use · Ensure debris and trash is placed in trash containers immediately · Ensure flammable liquids and oily rags are stored in proper containers · Immediately clean up flammable liquid spills · Dispose of excessive interior and exterior combustible waste · Remove combustible vegetation · Minimize combustible packing materials in the immediate work space and provide bulk storage in fire resistant enclosure Smoking safety · Smoke only in designated locations and NEVER smoke in bed · Keep matches and lighters away from children · Provide designated noncombustible receptacles for smoking material · Extinguish smoking material with water prior to disposal · Ensure smoking materials are properly extinguished and disposed of appropriately · Never leave smoking material unattended · Never smoke while under the influence of alcohol or medications