MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, Japan -- Safety precautions are no stranger to station residents, but newcomers to Iwakuni will find themselves getting used to equipment intended to keep everyone aboard the station safe in the event of a chemical or biological incident.
Shortly after arriving in Iwakuni, noncombatants should be fitted for a respirator and trained on how to use it in case of contamination aboard the station.
"We offer classes to residents every other Wednesday," said Michael Farkas, Health and Safety specialist at the Station Safety Center. "We teach people how to properly use the respirators and what to do in case of an emergency."
The classes provide noncombatants with a better understanding of the devices and protective measures to take if needed, noted Farkas.
"Most people are a little skeptical and have lots of questions at first," said Farkas, "but everything makes more sense once they get all the information."
An important requirement of the classes is that the whole family attends.
The Station Safety Office also provides respirators and training for school-age children as well, according to Farkas.
"Children are issued two respirators," said Farkas, "one for use at home and another to keep at school. When the school year starts, we get a roster of the students who need the respirators and issue them."
Farkas said the center also teaches classes to students at the school throughout the year.
The classes are held every other Wednesday at the Station Safety Center in Building 130B. To sign up for the next class residents can call 253-6381.