Fire Prevention Week
Fire Prevention Week is October 8 to 14, this year the theme is ‘Every Second Counts – Plan 2 Ways Out’. The St. John’s Regional Fire Department (SJRFD) is joining forces with the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) to remind local residents to plan ahead and have an escape plan for your home. During this year’s safety campaign, firefighters and safety advocates will be promoting the importance of knowing what to do and having two ways out.
“Everyone needs to know what to do and where to go if there is a fire. Every second counts, make a home escape plan and draw a map of your home showing all doors and windows,” said Captain Mike Maher. “Make sure you have two ways out and discuss the plan with everyone in your home.”
Ensure that all doors and windows leading outside open easily and designate an outside meeting place a safe distance from the home where everyone should meet. It is also important to practice your home fire drill at night and during the day with everyone in your home, twice a year. Practice using different ways out and have properly working smoke alarms in the home.
By reviewing the following information and being proactive, a comprehensive home escape plan will help to ensure that everyone evacuates safely in the event of a fire.
- Make a home escape plan and discuss the plan with everyone in your home.
- Know at least two ways out of every room.
- Have an outside meeting place.
- Practice using different ways out, twice a year.
- Teach children how to escape on their own in case you can’t help them.
- Close doors behind you as you leave.
If the Alarm Sounds:
- If the smoke alarm sounds, get out and stay out. Never go back inside for people or pets.
- If you have to escape through smoke, get low and go under the smoke to your way out
- CALL the fire department from outside your home.
Fire Prevention Week is actively supported by Fire Departments across the country and is one of the longest running public health and safety events on record. In recognition of Fire Prevention Week, the St.John’s Regional Fire Department have many events taking place throughout the region. Kids and adults of all ages are invited to join the festivities and learn about fire safety.
Fire Prevention Display Booth
Located at the Avalon Mall, October 9 to 14
Tuesday, noon to 9:30 p.m.
Wednesday, noon to 9:30 p.m.
Thursday, noon to 4:30 p.m.
Friday, noon to 9:30 p.m.
Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4:30 pm
Fire Safety Event Night at Paul Reynolds Community Centre
Thursday, October 12, 6 to 7:30 p.m.
Bring the kids to meet Sparky and our fire prevention staff and Firefighters! A Fire Engine will be on display as well as firefighting equipment for viewing and demonstration. Games, prizes, cake and refreshments will be served.
Open House: West Fire Station, Blackmarsh Road
Saturday, October 14, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
All vehicles and rescue equipment will be on display for viewing and demonstration. Sparky will be in attendance with fire prevention staff and Firefighters. Refreshments will be served.
School Visits and Fire Drills
Members of the SJRFD will be visiting the schools in the region and talking with kids about fire safety as well as conducting and evaluating school fire drills.
Fire Chief for a Day
Children between the ages of seven and twelve years of age (Grades 4, 5 & 6) are eligible to enter the Fire Prevention Week Poster Contest. To enter, children must create a poster, using the theme ‘Every Second Counts – Plan 2 Ways Out’.
NEW Youth Fire Services Leader Program
Starting October 18
If you are between the ages of 14 to 18 and would like to learn more about firefighting register now via RECconnect or call 576-8499 or 8631.
For more information contact:
Fire Captain Mike Maher
Fire Prevention Officer, SJRFD
709-576-3905
fireprevention@stjohns.ca