Airdrie Fire Department (AFD) is hosting a series of fire safety events in October to celebrate Fire Prevention Week and educate the community that ‘Fire won’t wait. Plan your escape.’
“Today’s homes burn faster than ever and with as little as two minutes or less, it is critical to prepare in advance on how to safely escape a home fire,” said Airdrie Fire Deputy Chief of Fire Prevention and Public Education, James Kostuk. “Being familiar with what to do when the smoke alarm sounds will save valuable time when it matters most. Simple, but important actions, such as ensuring smoke alarms are working and installed in the right places, along with creating a fire escape plan for each room, will help prepare everyone in the family.”
AFD will collaborate with area schools throughout the week of October 9–15 to facilitate assisted fire exercises and educate students about fire safety. Also announced will be the winner of the junior fire chief competition. In order to be considered for the position of Junior Fire Chief this year, every fourth grader was required to submit a 50-word essay through their school.
The community is welcome to attend AFD's well-known Fire Safety Day at Chinook Winds Fire Station on Saturday, October 22, from 12 to 4 p.m. Throughout the day, locals are welcome to drop by to explore exhibits, participate in interactive activities, get their picture taken with Sparky the Fire Dog, and enjoy light refreshments.
AFD personnel will conduct door-to-door home safety visits in a few areas throughout the month, as well as visits to senior living facilities.
“Every home is different and every home fire escape plan will also be different,” continued Deputy Chief Kostuk. “Have a plan for everyone in the home. Children, older adults, and anyone who may need extra help to wake up and get out. Ensure that the plan meets the needs of all your family members, including those with sensory or physical limitations.”
Any homeowner can quickly inspect the main components of an AFD home safety visit. Every sleeping room, every distinct sleeping area, and every floor of the house should have smoke alarms installed.
A home fire escape plan that, if possible, includes at least two exits from each room is also recommended, as is making sure that all doors and windows are simple to open. Residents of Airdrie are recommended to practise their home fire escape plans twice a year, once during the day and once at night, to make sure that everyone in the house is familiar with the plan and the location of the assembly point.
Airdrie participates in the National Fire Protection Association's (NFPA) Fire Prevention Week, which celebrates its 100th anniversary this year.
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