FREDERICTON (GNB) – Fire Prevention Week is Oct. 6-12 in New Brunswick. This year's theme, Not every hero wears a cape – Plan and practice your escape! focuses on the importance of home-escape planning.
“The safety and security of New Brunswickers is the government’s top priority,” said Public Safety Minister Carl Urquhart. “As we sponsor fire prevention week we are pleased to join our provincial partners to help educate the public about fire safety.”
“From the time the alarm sounds, you may have as little as one minute to safely escape,” said Provincial Fire Marshal Michael Lewis. “Fire safety begins at home. Identify your exits and plan and practise your escape.”
While developing and practising a home-escape plan, people are reminded to:
- Draw a map of your home with all members of your household, marking two exits from each room and a path to the outside from each exit.
- Practise your home fire drill at least twice a year. Conduct one at night and one during the day with everyone in your home, and practise using different ways out.
- Teach children how to escape on their own in case you cannot help them.
- Make sure the number of your home is clearly marked and easy for the fire department to find.
- Close doors behind you as you leave. This may slow the spread of smoke, heat and fire.
- Have a designated meeting place outside. Once you get outside, stay outside. Never go back inside a burning building.
- Call 9-1-1 from outside the home.
The Office of the Fire Marshal has distributed this year’s Fire Safety Gazette to all students from kindergarten to Grade 5. It contains games, puzzles and fire safety information for children and their families. Students may also fill out a ballot from the Gazette before Nov. 13 to win the chance to be named fire chief for a day. The winner will receive a classroom visit from fire safety mascots and guests, a ride on a fire truck and other special prizes.
Fire departments throughout the province will also organize activities to promote fire safety.
04-10-19
