The Provincial Government is acknowledging Fire Prevention Week from October 6-12. This year’s theme is “Not everyone wears a cape. Plan and practice your escape”. During this week, residents, families, educators, and fire departments are encouraged to learn more about home escape planning in the event of fire.

Home escape planning and practice ensures that everyone knows what to do in a fire and is prepared to escape quickly and safely. When the smoke alarm sounds in a real fire, it is too late to start making a plan.

Here are some essentials for making a home escape plan:

• Map it out: Draw or map out the layout of your home, marking two exits from every room and a path from each exit to the outside.
• Smoke alarms: Mark the location of all smoke alarms in your home. (There should be at least one on every level, in each bedroom, and near all sleeping areas).
• Meeting place: Pick a meeting place outside in front of your home where everyone will meet upon exiting.

More information on fire safety can be found online at www.gov.nl.ca/fes/fireprotection/firesafety.html.

Quotes
“We can all be heroes in our communities by creating and practicing a home escape plan so we can be ready when a fire or other emergency situation arises. In a fire, a few seconds can mean the difference between escaping safely and a tragedy. I encourage everyone to talk about fire safety and prevention this week with your families and participate in activities at your local community.”
Honourable Derrick Bragg
Minister of Municipal Affairs and Environment

“Planning and practicing a home escape plan is paramount for the safe and expedient evacuation of our homes not only during fire prevention week but every week of the year. We encourage all residents of our province to take part in the many activities that are planned by your local fire departments. We also encourage everyone to change your smoke alarm batteries at the same time that you change your clocks.”
Joe Power
President, Newfoundland and Labrador Association of Fire Services

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Learn more
Fire Prevention Week

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

Mandy Young
NL Association of Fire Services
709-424-6500
office@nlfireservices.com