Minister Highlights Fire Prevention Week

Fire and Emergency Services – Newfoundland and Labrador (FES-NL) is once again teaming up with the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) to mark Fire Prevention Week. As indicated by the 2012 national theme, residents of this province and across Canada are encouraged to “Have 2 Ways Out” as part of their home evacuation plan. Community fire departments have arranged events to celebrate this theme.

“The Provincial Government continues to advance fire and life safety measures throughout Newfoundland and Labrador,” said the Honourable Kevin O’Brien, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Minister Responsible for Fire and Emergency Services. “With this year’s proclamation of the new Fire Protection Services Act, smoke alarms are now required on every level and in each sleeping area of all homes and cabins. Smoke alarms save lives and provide an early warning to exit in an emergency. In addition, having two identified emergency routes from your home further improves the chances of a safe exit from a potentially harmful situation.”

The following information can help, not only during Fire Prevention Week, but year-round:

• Smoke Alarms: Ensure you check your smoke alarms regularly to make sure they are in working order. Smoke alarms are mandatory in Newfoundland and Labrador and are required on all levels of a home, cottage or cabin and in each sleeping area.
• Heating: Keep all highly flammable items such as paper, bedding or furniture, at least three feet away from heating equipment.
• Cooking: Stay in the kitchen when you are frying, grilling, or broiling food. If you leave the kitchen for even a short period, turn off the stove.
• Smoking: If you smoke, smoke outside; wherever you smoke, use deep, sturdy ashtrays.
• Fire Escape Planning: Ensure your family knows the best ways to get out of the home should a fire occur and discuss a family meeting spot for when you have safely exited the home. Working smoke alarms are also an integral component of any family’s fire escape plan.

“I would also like to remind our firefighters of the importance of ensuring their own safety and prevention efforts and encourage attendance at Fire and Emergency Services Training School later this month,” noted Minister O’Brien. “October 20 to 26 in Gander, firefighters and municipal officials can access numerous training courses to further their knowledge and improve their chances of survival when engaged in such an honourable, but dangerous work.”

Fire Prevention Week is actively supported by the Newfoundland and Labrador Association of Fire Services, as well as fire departments across the country and throughout Newfoundland and Labrador. Since 1922, fire departments have observed Fire Prevention Week, making it the longest running public health and safety observance on record. Residents are encouraged to visit www.firepreventionweek.org or www.gov.nl.ca/fes to get information on fire prevention and fire safety.

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Media contact:

Cheryl Gullage
Public Relations Specialist
Fire and Emergency Services – Newfoundland and Labrador
709-729-0857, 631-9962
cherylgullage@gov.nl.ca

2012 10 09                                 10:35 a.m.