Gear up for Fire Prevention Week
October 5th-12this Fire Prevention Week not only in Airdrie, but across the country, and there is a lot of important information for you to know. Each year, the Airdrie Fire Department (AFD) responds to more than 1,300 service incidents, including fire suppression, technical rescue, hazardous materials and medical co-response. “Seconds can mean the difference between residents of our community escaping safely from a fire or having their lives end in tragedy,” says the AFD. So, we’re here to hopefully help lower that number as we raise awareness on how to be safe in and around your home, school, community and neighbourhood.
This year, the theme of Fire Prevention Week is: “Not every hero wears a cape. Plan and practice your escape.” Everyone panics in the face of an emergency, unless you’re prepared and have an action plan. In the event of a fire, this is crucial to having a safe, quick exit. You and your family can stay safe by:
- Discussing the layout of your home, knowing the nearest exits and finding a clear path outdoors. If you are a visual person, draw a map and plan an escape route if a fire were to come from any direction. If you have children, it is important to practice these routes so they are able to get out on their own.
- Getting in the practice of closing doors behind you. This will slow the spread of smoke, fire and may give you enough time to get outside before it’s too late.
- Steering clear of any unstable walls once you’re outside since you can never be sure which part will fall first. Ensure your house number is clearly visible so that the AFD can find your home quickly.
If you would like to learn about fire safety firsthand, ATCO is having a Fire Safety Day at the Chinook Winds Fire Station & Headquarters on October 5thto kick off the week. From 1-4 pm, they will be featuring: information on smoke alarms, safety ladders and a home checklist, a fire pit display, fire extinguisher usage, truck tours and so much more. Bring your children along to this event so that they too can learn the importance of fire safety and hear from the children’s entertainer Mary Lambert, Juno Award nominee, as she provides two presentations about fire safety.
Throughout Fire Prevention Week, you may see firefighters going door-to-door with their Fall Home Safety Program, providing safety information, checking alarms and installing them where necessary. This is also the week for supported fire drills to be carried out in schools, where the AFD assists in running the children through the procedure, familiarizes themselves with school layouts and help update emergency evacuation plans.
Overall, Fire Prevention Week is here to ensure you and your family stay as safe as possible in the event of an emergency. We hope it never happens, but if it does, we want you to be prepared with all the necessary information and equipment knowledge possible.
Click here to learn more about Fire Prevention Week in Airdrie.