Fire Prevention Week brings awareness to the risks involved with fire. It strives to educate everyone about practices that can prevent fires and helps people prepare to escape safely in the event of an emergency.
This year, Fire Prevention Week runs from October 6-12 under the theme, "Not every hero wears a cape. Plan and practice your escape."
Look for places fire could start. Identify potential fire hazards and take care of them.
Learn two ways out of every room. Make sure exits are free of clutter and everyone knows how to use the doors and windows.
Listen for the sound of the smoke alarm. If you hear it, then head outside right away and call 911 once you are a safe distance away from the fire.
Fire Prevention Week Events
To promote Fire Prevention Week, the public is invited to attend two Edmonton Fire Rescue Services (EFRS) open houses on October 5, 2019 from noon-4pm. Edmontonians are welcome to meet firefighters and fire prevention officers at:
During the week, EFRS' fire prevention officers will host information booths from 6-9pm at three recreation facilities to share fire prevention and safety information with Edmontonians. Locations are:
Tuesday, October 8 - Terwillegar Recreation Centre 2051 Leger Road
Thursday, October 10 - Clareview Recreation Centre 3804 139 Avenue
Friday, October 11 - Meadows Recreation Centre 2704 17 Street
How to Make an Escape Plan
Seconds are critical during a fire! There is no time to stop and think about an escape route, so knowing what to do before a fire occurs can save your life. Making an escape plan and practicing it with your family is an essential part of fire safety.
Install working smoke alarms on all levels. Smoke alarms act as a first line of defence in a fire; make sure to install and continually maintain them. If possible, interconnect them so that when one goes off, they all go off.
Draw a floor plan of your home. Make an outline of each floor of your home and label each room.
Identify at least two exits from each room. Windows can serve as the second emergency exit. If a window is considered an exit, make sure all family members can open the locks and windows easily for a quick escape. Security bars on windows and doors must have a quick-release mechanism to make an escape possible. Make sure you have a safe way to reach the ground.
Choose a meeting place. All family members should be taught to report to the meeting place after escaping a fire. This place should be a safe distance away from any danger.
Schedule a home fire drill. Practicing the escape plan will help ensure everyone is ready to evacuate the home in the event of a fire.
