October Fire Prevention Month kicks off Published Oct. 9, 2007 By Tyler Hemstreet Staff writer MCCHORD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. -- As Fire Prevention Week kicks off on Sunday, this year's theme of "Practice Your Escape Plan" will be highlighted by a housing safety demonstration here complete with a smoke machine. The demonstration located at 3188 Pine Street will run from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Oct. 10 and 11. People will have the opportunity to crawl under the smoke throughout the house to simulate an escape route, said Sandra Cooper, 62nd Civil Engineer Squadron assistant chief of fire prevention. The house will also have several fire hazards throughout that visitors will be encouraged to find, she said. "We've had phenomenal feedback from people that have crawled through the house in the past," Ms. Cooper said. According to statistics, only 23 percent of all households have actually developed and practiced a home fire escape plan, said Lt. Col. Mark McCloud, 62nd CES commander. "We want to put a great emphasis on educating everyone on knowing their escape routes, their rally point or meeting place and practicing their escape plan," Colonel McCloud said. "Practice is the key to routine reactions during crisis." Ensuring home smoke detectors work properly and practicing a home fire escape plan with everyone in the household can be the difference between life and death, said fire prevention inspector Staff Sgt. Carlito Tacbas, 62nd CES. The 62nd CES Fire Department has several other activities planned throughout the week. For more information, call 982-2603.