Fire Prevention Week is October 7-13 and it is important Islanders take time to develop and practice a fire escape plan for home and work, says Communities, Cultural Affairs and Labour Minister Carolyn Bertram.
“It is vitally important during a fire that everyone in the home or building is able to get out safely, and stay out,” says Minister Bertram. “Regular practice is essential so that every family member knows what to do.”
Minister Bertram was joined by Cindy MacFadyen, City of Charlottetown Fire Prevention Co-ordinator, Charlottetown firefighters, and children from Brighton Early School of Learning to launch Fire Prevention week from the Charlottetown Fire Department on Friday.
“Working smoke alarms and escape plans are very important,” says Cindy MacFadyen. “Be prepared for a real fire. Plan and practice your escape plan on Wednesday, October 10 between 4:30 and 6:30. Be a part of the Great Escape Plan. ”
Following the events at the Fire Station, Minister Bertram was transported by fire truck to the Brighton School of Early Learning where she took time to read Robert Munch's book, The Fire Station, to children.
BACKGROUNDER
Tips to help you develop and practice a fire escape plan:
• Draw a floor plan of your home showing all possible exits from each room.
• Where possible, plan two exits - a main route and an alternate exit route from each room.
• Make certain that everyone understands that if they hear the smoke alarm, or someone shouting “FIRE,” they should immediately evacuate the home.
• Designate a meeting place outside your home in the event of fire.
• If you live in an apartment building, develop your escape plan taking into account fire escape procedures provided by the building management.
• Make sure your baby-sitter understands your fire escape plan.
• If anyone in your home is unable to evacuate without assistance, assign someone to assist them.
• Ensure that everyone in your home knows NOT TO RE-ENTER.
• Call the Fire Department after you get out of the house, from a cell phone or from a neighbor's.
• For more information http://www.fiprecan.ca/