Fire Prevention Week theme: "Fire won't wait, plan your escape"

The Joint Region Marianas Fire and Emergency Services is inviting the island community to their open house taking place this Saturday to kickoff the festivities - one of their first big events since the COVID pandemic.

This year's Fire Prevention Week is significant, as it marks 100 years since its inception. From October 9-15, the island's fire agencies will be out in full force pushing out to the community the theme for 2022, "Fire won't wait, plan your escape". Lelani Quenga is a fire inspector for Naval Base Guam whose primary role is to provide fire protection awareness and education to the base.

She told KUAM News, "Ensuring our community is aware of their escape routes not just at the workplace or at the schools even at home. It's very important that they are aware of what to do in the event there is a fire or emergency - know where the exits are and windows and so forth."

Installation fire chief for Naval Base Guam Gifton Lawrence says it takes a community-wide effort to heighten prevention and fire safety. "It's incumbent on all of us, all fire agencies to put together an aggressive campaign to educate our customers and the community. The island is only so big, so we're all in this together," he stated.

And what makes this year even more significant for the Joint Region Marianas Guam Fire & Emergency Services is the open house they have planned for Saturday, October 8 at Station 5, is not only accessible to the public but is one of their first big events since the covid pandemic. The station, which is located beside Navy Federal Credit Union will be the place to be from 11am-3pm. There will be face painting, smokey bear mobile, children's firefighting course, inflatable bouncers, and more.

"We'll have food, fun activities  for the kids, an apparatus display, and also the ever important fire safety message," he said.

Remember, you do not need a military id to enter. So make sure to bring the whole family down.