To mark Fire Prevention Week 2019, Ontario’s Office of the Fire Marshal and Emergency Management is encouraging families to plan and practice their home fire escape plans.
“Fire Prevention Week reminds us about the importance of having an escape plan and practicing it,” said Solicitor General Sylvia Jones. “Dedicated firefighters and first responders across the province strive to keep the people of Ontario safe, but having a plan can help get everyone out safely in the event of a fire.”
As part of a home escape plan, people should:
- Ensure smoke alarms are working and properly installed on every storey of your home;
- Identify all possible exits (doors and windows);
- Know two ways out of every room, if possible;
- Determine who requires assistance to get out of the home safely, including small children, pets and older adults;
- Have an outside meeting place a safe distance from the home where everyone should gather; and
- Practice your plan and use different ways out of your home.
This year’s theme for Fire Prevention Week is “Not Every Hero Wears A Cape. Plan and Practice Your Escape!”
“Planning how to get out of the house if there is a fire, is an activity that should involve everyone in the household,” said Jon Pegg, Ontario Fire Marshal and Chief, Emergency Management.
“Having your kids lead the discussion on how to get out quickly and safely in a fire will help to ingrain positive fire safe behaviours that will have a lasting effect.”
Fire Prevention Week runs from Oct. 6-12.
Communities and fire services across the province will be hosting a number of events to help raise awareness and keep people safe.
Fire Fact: Homes today burn up to eight times faster than 50 years ago.
Working smoke alarms and a good home fire escape plan provide the best chances of survival in a house fire.
