Municipal Affairs and Environment
October 6, 2017
Provincial Government Recognizes Fire Prevention Week 2017
The Provincial Government is acknowledging Fire Prevention Week which runs from October 8-14. This year�s theme is �Every Second Counts: Plan 2 Ways Out!� and the government is encouraging residents, families, educators, and fire departments to learn more about the critical importance of developing a home escape plan and practicing it.
The Honourable Eddie Joyce, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Environment, has responsibility for fire and emergency services, and has prepared a video message in recognition of Fire Prevention Week 2017 that stresses how critical it is to have a home escape plan: https://youtu.be/G_brzzjXlXw .
There is a greater opportunity to save lives and prevent the loss of property when the public is well educated and prepared. Here are a few tips to consider in preparation:
- Draw a map of your home with all members of your household, marking two exits from each room and a path to the outside from each exit;
- Practice your home fire drill twice a year. Conduct one at night and one during the day with everyone in your home, and practice using different ways out;
- Teach children how to escape on their own in case you can�t help them;
- Make sure the street address of your home is clearly marked and easy for the fire department to find;
- Close doors behind you as you leave � this may slow the spread of smoke, heat, and fire; and
- Once you get outside, stay outside. Never go back inside a burning building.
Quotes
�When a fire hits, it�s too late to prepare. By developing and practicing a home escape plan, you and your family can draw on that practice in an emergency, snap into action, and escape a fire as quickly as possible. This can truly make the difference between life and death.�
Honourable Eddie Joyce
Minister of Municipal Affairs and Environment
�As this year�s theme for Fire Prevention Week suggests, home escape planning is absolutely critical in a fire situation. Making a plan and practicing it ensures that everyone in the household knows how to use that small window of time wisely.�
Derek Simmons
Fire Commissioner
Municipal Affairs and Environment
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Learn More
Fire Prevention Week - www.firepreventionweek.com
Minister Joyce Discuss the Importance of Home Escape Planning - https://youtu.be/G_brzzjXlXw
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Media contact
Lynn Robinson
Municipal Affairs and Environment
709-729-5449
lynnrobinson@gov.nl.ca
2017 10 06 12:20 p.m.