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 External Link.

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 External Link

Minister Joyce Discuss the Importance of Home Escape Planning - https://youtu.be/G_brzzjXlXw External Link

Follow us on Twitter: @GovNL External Link and @MAE_GovNL External Link

Media contact
Lynn Robinson
Municipal Affairs and Environment
709-729-5449
lynnrobinson@gov.nl.ca 

2017 10 06                             12:20 p.m.