Journal staff
Sarnia Fire Rescue Services is hosting an Open House Wednesday, Oct. 12 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. to mark Fire Prevention Week.
The event, to be held at Station 1 on East Street N., will focus on this year’s theme, “Fire won’t wait. Plan your escape.”
The service is teaming up with the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Fire Prevention Week, through to Oct. 15.
“Today’s homes burn faster than ever. You may have as little as two minutes (or even less time) to safely escape a home fire from the time the smoke alarm sounds,” said Lorraine Carli, vice president of outreach and advocacy at NFPA. “Your ability to get out of a home during a fire depends on early warning from smoke alarms and advance planning.”
Sarnia Fire Rescue says there are key home fire escape tips to follow, including:
- Making sure your plan meets the needs of all family members, including those with sensory or physical disabilities;
- installing smoke alarms inside every sleeping room, outside each separate sleeping area, and on every level of your home. They should be interconnected, so when one sounds, they all sound;
- Know at least two ways out of every room. Make sure all doors and windows open easily;
- Have an outside meeting place a safe distance from your home;
Practice your home fire drill at least twice a year with everyone in the house, including guests. Practice at least once during the day and at night.
“It’s important for everyone to plan and practice a home fire escape. Everyone needs to be prepared in advance, so that they know what to do when the smoke alarm sounds,” said Mike Otis, fire life safety educator. “Have a plan for everyone in the home. Children, older adults, and people with disabilities may need assistance to wake up and get out. Make sure that someone will help them.”
For more information about Fire Prevention Week, contact Sarnia Rescue Services at 519-332-1122 or visit fpw.org and sparky.org.