The Provincial Government is acknowledging Fire Prevention Week which runs October 7-13. This year’s theme is “Look. Listen. Learn. Be aware. Fire can happen anywhere.” The province is encouraging residents, families, educators, and fire departments to learn more about the three basic steps that can be taken to reduce the likelihood of having a fire, and how to escape safely in the event of one.

LOOK – Look for places that a fire could start around your home. Identify hazards and take action.

LISTEN – Listen for the smoke alarm. There may be only minutes to escape safely once the smoke alarm sounds. Go to your outside meeting place, which should be a safe distance from the home.

LEARN – Learn two ways out of every room in your household. Make sure all doors and windows leading outside can open easily and are free of clutter.

The Honourable Andrew Parsons, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Environment, has prepared a video message in recognition of Fire Prevention Week 2018 that stresses how critical it is to follow these three steps: youtu.be/nJ5uf_rETHs.

Fire Prevention Week is a time for everyone to become more educated and prepared to save lives and prevent the loss of property. Here are a few tips to consider:

• Install smoke alarms in every bedroom, and they should also be outside each sleeping area and on every level of the home and basement;
• If you are sleepy or have consumed alcohol, don’t use the stove or stovetop;
• Stay in the kitchen while you are frying, boiling or grilling food. If you leave the kitchen for even a short period of time, turn off the stove.
• 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 and practice your home fire drill twice a year;
• 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
“Preparation is paramount when it comes to fire safety. I want to thank all emergency responders for their dedication, hard work and sacrifices to keep communities and residents safe. I encourage every person to talk about fire safety and fire prevention with their families and neighbours and make a plan for when a fire or other emergency situation arises.”
Honourable Andrew Parsons
Minister of Municipal Affairs and Environment

“When the public is well educated about fire prevention and have participated in home escape planning, there is a much better chance of saving lives and preventing the loss of property. During Fire Prevention Week, “Look. Listen. Learn. Be aware. Fire can happen anywhere.”
Derek Simmons
Fire Commissioner, Municipal Affairs and Environment

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Learn More

Fire Prevention Week 2018

Media contact
Lynn Robinson
Municipal Affairs and Environment
709-729-5449, 691-9466
lynnrobinson@gov.nl.ca