Fire prevention week

Oshawa Fire Services challenges families to practice their home fire escape plan as part of Fire Prevention Week.

This year’s Fire Prevention Week runs from Oct. 8-14 and the theme is “Every Second Counts: Plan 2 Ways Out!”

“Fire and smoke spread rapidly,” said Fire Chief Derrick Clark. “There’s no time to figure out how to escape your home after a fire starts. Practice an escape plan before there’s a fire so you can get out safely.”

In a fire, you may have just seconds to safely escape your home. Be prepared in advance with these simple steps for home fire escape planning:

• Identify anyone who requires assistance to get out of the home safely, such as small children or older adults.

• Make sure that you have working smoke alarms on every storey of the home and outside all sleeping areas and make sure everyone in the home knows the sound of the smoke alarm.

• Identify all possible exits (doors and windows) and make sure they work. Know two ways out of all areas, if possible.

• Everyone must know what to do when the smoke alarm sounds: Assign someone to help those who need assistance; Identify a safe meeting place outside; Call the fire department from outside the home – from a neighbour’s home or a cell phone.

• Practice your home fire escape plan at least twice a year: Have everyone participate. Make changes to your plan if necessary.

In support of Fire Prevention Week, Oshawa Fire Services will be in the community providing information on fire safety, smoke alarms, carbon monoxide alarms, fire extinguishers and fire equipment. Visit Oshawa Fire Services staff at the following locations:

• Wednesday, Oct. 11 – South Oshawa Community Centre from 4 to 9 p.m.
• Thursday, Oct. 12 – Oshawa Centre from 9:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.
• Friday, Oct. 13 – Oshawa Centre from 9:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.

For information about Oshawa Fire Services, visit www.oshawa.ca/fire.