Duane Hicks
The Fort Frances Fire and Rescue Service will hold its Fall Fire Safety Day this Saturday (Oct. 6) from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at Canadian Tire.
Fall Fire Safety Day always is the kick-off for Fire Prevention Week (Oct. 7-13), Fire Prevention Capt. Wayne Riches told the Times.
He noted the event is a reminder to the community to practise fire-safe behaviour and a chance for firefighters to answer any questions about smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms, including where to place them in the home.
More specifically, Capt. Riches said the event gives firefighters the opportunity to speak with a variety of age groups in the community.
While the fire department does school visits, he noted it doesn’t always get a chance to speak with adults about fire safety.
Fire trucks will be on display in the parking lot, information booths and displays will be set up both outside and inside the store, and everyone’s favourite fire safety mascot, “Sparky,” will make an appearance.
Capt. Riches also assured there will be fire safety giveaways, along with some prize draws.
Fire Prevention Week is observed across Canada each year.
In addition to Saturday’s event, firefighters will be visiting local schools next week and hopefully delivering fire safety information to homes in town.
“It’s going to be a busy week, lots going on,” Capt. Riches said.
This year’s theme is “Look. Listen. Learn. Be aware. Fire can happen anywhere.”
According to the Ministry of Community Safety & Correctional Services, the theme focuses on three fundamental actions people can take to be fire-safe:
“Look” for potential fire hazards around your home. Take action to prevent fire from starting.
For example:
•Always stay in the kitchen while cooking. If you must leave, turn off the stove;
•Encourage smokers to smoke outside. Always extinguish cigarettes in large, deep ashtrays that cannot be knocked over; and
•Check electrical cords for damage such as fraying or nicks (a damaged cord can expose wires and result in a potential shock or fire hazard).
“Listen” for the smoke alarms in an emergency.
Make sure everyone knows the sound of the smoke alarms and can hear them in an emergency.
Early detection of fire provided by smoke alarms gives you the extra seconds you need to get out safely.
“Learn” two ways out of every room.
Practice a home fire escape plan with everyone in your home before a fire starts so you and your family can get out quickly.