Fire Prevention Week takes place nationwide every October, and each year, the Swift Current Fire Department (SCFD) team finds unique ways to spread awareness throughout the community. This typically includes demonstrations and presentations at K-8 schools, but this year, they took it a step further.
Partnering with MacMor Industries and Domino’s Pizza, the SCFD made some special deliveries across town during Fire Prevention Week, October 6th to 12th.
“We came up with this little scheme to do some surprise [pizza] deliveries and include a smoke detector with it,” said Dean Diguer, Deputy Fire Chief. “A lot of people were shocked to see us – it was more comedy for us than anything. Someone opens their door and there's four fire guys and a pizza delivery standing there. And they weren't really sure why. And then we just told them that it was something we were doing for fire prevention week, and we had a pretty good laugh over it.”
Domino’s General Manager, Sam Shah, added, “It was a great way for us to participate in the community.”
He explained that the special deliveries were chosen at random, often based on orders they recognized from regular customers. Then, one of the delivery drivers hopped in the fire truck with the SCFD team to deliver the pizza.
“It was amazing,” said Sam. “First day was mine, and I was very shocked. I’d never been in a fire truck before. But it was fun to be in there, to see everything, and to see the customer’s reaction.”
This year’s Fire Prevention Week theme was “Smoke Alarms: Make Them Work for You!” So, MacMor Industries provided the smoke alarms delivered with the pizza, and the SCFD took the opportunity to educate the community on fire prevention.
“Over the years, working with the fire department, we found out how important it is to have a working smoke detector in the home,” said Nadine Thurman, Branch Manager at MacMor Industries. “One year, we gave away about 2000 batteries for smoke detectors in people's homes. I think being able to provide that to somebody [who] maybe wouldn't have the means or resources to even have a working smoke detector is really important. And because MacMor wants to help in the community, I think working with the fire department is a really good match for our business.”
Diguer continued, “Nadine's team has really been good. They've sponsored Fire Prevention Week for a number of years, even prior to my time in this position. And she reached out and asked if there was anything that we wanted to do this year in particular. We landed on the theme for fire prevention week this year with smoke alarms, so, having the couple pizzas and a free smoke alarm delivered, that was a pretty good mix to match up with this year's theme.”
While Fire Prevention Week is an important learning experience for young children, Diguer explained how adults often need reminders too.
“Smoke alarms, unfortunately, are one of those things, and I'd say most of us are guilty of it, they're [just] there, and we just kind of forget about them unless they actually go off,” he said.
He continued, “A lot of times, if kids weren't sure if they had smoke alarms or not, we hope the presentation would make them mindful, and ask their parents: ‘When’s the last time you checked the battery in the smoke alarm? When’s the last time you tested it? Do we have a meeting spot outside if we ever have to get out?’”
It’s easy to forget the essentials of fire safety and prevention, which is why the SCFD raises awareness throughout the year and encourages children to have these conversations with their parents.
Thurman added, “I think the more awareness you can bring to the community, and make them understand the need of a working smoke detector, is incredibly important. I don't think people pay that close of attention to it until something bad happens. So, I think bringing awareness to the community before something bad happens is an excellent option, and I'm glad MacMor could be part of it.”
“It helps everyone think, okay, what can we do in this kind of situation, what options do we have?” said Shah.
Fires often break out unexpectedly and can be disastrous if you’re unprepared. If you have questions or need help with fire prevention in your home, don’t hesitate to reach out to the Swift Current Fire Department team.