THUNDER BAY – It is Fire Prevention week across North America. “Every day there are fires that result in damage, injuries or fatalities that could have been prevented. I strongly urge all of us to work together to reduce our fire losses. Get involved in Fire Prevention Week. Talk to your local fire department about fire safety in your home. I don’t want another person to become a fire casualty” states Tadeusz (Ted) Wieclawek, the Ontario Fire Marshal.
Thunder Bay Fire Rescue is pleased to announce Fire Prevention Week from October 7-13. The theme for Fire Prevention Week across North America this year is “Have Two Ways Out”.
Fire Prevention Week was officially launched, in Thunder Bay, in the gymnasium at Bishop E.Q. Jennings Senior Elementary School. Mayor Keith Hobbs and Fire Chief John Hay proclaimed Fire Prevention Week in Thunder Bay.
The ceremony was attended by members of City Council, members of the Ontario Fire Marshal’s Office, Thunder Bay Fire Rescue, Principal Garieri, staff and students of Bishop E. Q. Jennings Senior Elementary School.
Thunder Bay Fire Rescue and the Ontario Fire Marshal’s office reminds citizens that fire and smoke can spread quickly, so be prepared in advance with these simple steps for home fire escape planning:
• Know two ways out of all areas, if possible
• Assess the needs of everyone in your home
• 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
• 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
• 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 a neighbour’s phone
• Practice your home fire escape plan
• Have everyone participate
• Make changes to your plan if necessary
Fire Prevention Officers will be at Home Depot, 379 Main Street on Saturday, Oct. 13 from 10 am – 2 pm with fire safety information and to answer questions from the public.
