Public Safety Minister Doug Currie is encouraging Island families to practice their fire drills and participate in fire prevention activities during Fire Prevention Week, October 3-9, 2010.
“This year’s theme – Smoke Detectors, A Sound You Can Live With – underscores the importance of taking simple preventative measures that can save lives, homes and everything we hold dear,” said Hon. Doug Currie, Minister of Justice and Public Safety. “It is critical that Islanders take the time to learn about the dangers of fire and what can be done to protect against the needless loss of lives and property as a result of fire.”
Minister Currie is also encouraging Islanders to sign up and be counted in the Great Canadian Fire Drill, a nation-wide public safety campaign which will run throughout the month of October.
“The Great Canadian Fire Drill website at www.safeathome.ca/drill provides tips for creating and practicing a fire escape plan that can help save your life, and the lives of your loved ones,” said Minister Currie. “This is an exciting and fun way for families to take part in this important exercise and register for a chance to win prizes.”
The Great Canadian Fire Drill is promoted by the Canadian Association of Fire Chiefs and Fire Marshal’s Public Fire Safety Council, with sponsorship from corporate partners including Canadian Tire and The Cooperators.
“I want to commend the local fire service, the PEI Firefighters Association, partner agencies and volunteer firefighters throughout our One Island Community for combining their talents and efforts to promote fire prevention and safety during Fire Prevention Week and throughout the year,” the Minister said. More information on the PEIFFA can be found at www.peiffa.com.
BACKGROUNDER:
Most fires are caused by human carelessness and are preventable. If a fire happens in your home, do you, and your children, know what to do?
• Develop a fire escape plan and practice it often. Make sure all family members know two escape routes from every room.
• Leave the building immediately when you hear a smoke alarm. Smoke alarms are the first line of defense against a deadly fire.
• Never leave cooking appliances unattended when in use.
• Never smoke or allow someone to smoke when they are under the influence of medication, alcohol or drugs.
• Allow proper clearances provided between space heaters and curtains, bedding, furniture, etc.
• Store cookies, cereal, or other goodies away from the stove.
• Keep your basement closets, garage and yard, clear of combustibles like papers, cartons, old furniture or old rags.
• Have your chimney cleaned and checked regularly.
• Consider installing fire sprinklers. Sprinklers save lives by providing more precious time to allow for escape.
Additional fire safety tips, including farm safety, safety for seniors, safety when cooking, and a babysitters guide, can be accessed at www.peipublicsafety.ca or by calling the Fire Marshal’s Office at 368-4869.