“Fire won’t wait; plan your escape” is the theme for the 100th anniversary of Fire Prevention Week in Manitoba.
Between October 9 and 15, 2022, communities across the province will be promoting the importance of advance planning should a fire emergency ever occur at your home.
“This year’s theme – Fire Won’t Wait; Plan Your Escape – is good advice that reflects the urgent need for all Manitobans to plan in advance to protect themselves and their families should a home fire emergency occur,” said Municipal Relations Minister Eileen Clarke and minister responsible for the Office of the Fire Commissioner. “This national public education initiative encourages everyone to take simple, but important steps now to promote fire safety and reduce the human and economic costs of house fires.”
Fire can move through a home in a matter of minutes and getting out safely should be planned for a practised by everyone. As part of your plan, it is important to make sure your home has a working smoke alarm. If your alarm uses batteries, replace them every six months.
Winnipeggers without working alarms may be eligible to have one installed through the SAFE Family program
“Don’t wait until an alarm sounds in your home to think about how you and your family will get out. Creating a home escape plan now and practising it with your family can ensure everyone is safe in the event of an emergency,” said Christian Schmidt, Fire & Paramedic Chief, Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service.
Some key home fire escape planning tips include:
- Make sure plans meet the needs of all family members including those with sensory or physical disabilities.
- Smoke alarms should be installed in every sleeping room, outside each separate sleeping area, and on every level of the home. Smoke alarms should be interconnected so that when one sounds, all alarms are activated.
- Know at least two ways to exit every room, if possible. Make sure all doors and windows open easily.
- Have an outside meeting place, located a safe distance from the home, where everyone should meet after exiting the home and have a warm place to go in cold weather.
- Practise the home fire escape plan at least twice a year with everyone in the household including guests. Practise at least once during the day and at night.
During Fire Prevention Week the are a number of events taking place in Winnipeg including an opportunity to speak with firefighters about the importance of smoke alarms, carbon monoxide alarms, and other fire and life safety equipment. Members of the public can talk with WFPS representatives about these important devices, how to test them, and where in a home to install them.
Crews will be available at Canadian Tire at the following locations:
- Tuesday, October 11 from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.: 750 St. James St.
- Thursday, October 13 from 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.: 157 Vermillion Rd.
- Friday, October 14 from 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.: 1519 Regent Ave. W
On Saturday, October 15, 2022, every fire station in the city will be open to visitors between noon and 4:00 pm. This will give everyone the opportunity to meet their local first responders and talk more about home escape plans and fire prevention.
“It’s important for everyone to plan and practise a home fire escape plan and know what to do if the smoke alarm sounds including having an outdoor meeting place that’s suited for weather conditions,” said Clarke. “Remember that children, older adults and people with disabilities may need extra help if an emergency occurs, so plan accordingly.”
For information on programs and activities across Manitoba during Fire Prevention Week visit www.manitoba.ca/firepreventionweek
