Fire Prevention Week is a nationally observed week in Canada and the United States and traditionally falls on the week of Oct. 9.
In Canada, the week is proclaimed annually by the Governor General. The Saturday at the end of the week is also proclaimed "Fire Service Recognition Day" to express appreciation for the many public services of the Canadian fire service.
Figures from StatsCan state there were nearly 30 house fires every day on average in 2021. Among these residential fires, one per cent resulted in a death, with a total of 156 fatalities, accounting for just over three-quarters of the 202 fire-related deaths reported that year.
The non-profit National Fire Protection Association founded in 1896, of which Canada is a member, is the world’s leading knowledge and information organization, providing assistance around the globe in various programs dealing with fire safety.
Through programs and research local fire departments offer advice for people to use to keep themselves, and their residences, safe from fire and other hazards. Locally they advise that one of the best and smartest was to keep individuals safe is to have smoke alarms installed in homes and businesses.
Some tips are:
• Install smoke alarms in every bedroom, outside each separate sleeping area (like a hallway), and on each level (including the basement) of the home.
• Test smoke alarms at least once a month by pushing the test button.
• Replace all smoke alarms when they are 10 years old or stop responding when tested.
• A low battery chirp from a smoke alarm is a signal that it’s time to replace batteries.
The NFPA states that most cooking fires in the home involve the kitchen stove.
“If you have any doubt about fighting a small fire, just get out. When you leave, close the door behind you to help contain the fire. Call 9-1-1 from outside the home,” their website states.
In a fire, mere seconds can mean the difference between a safe escape and a tragedy. Fire safety education isn’t just for school children. Teenagers, adults, and the elderly are also at risk in fires, making it important for every member of the community to take some time every October during Fire Prevention Week to make sure they understand how to stay safe in case of a fire.
Fire extinguishers, in a home or business, can help to prevent a fire from spreading.
How to choose and store a fire extinguisher:
• Be sure to get the correct fire extinguishers for the type of fire you’re likely to encounter in your home. For most normal home use, this is an ABC dry chemical fire extinguisher.
• Make sure that your fire extinguishers are properly charged by using the gauge or test button to check the pressure.
• Follow the manufacturer’s instructions on how to replace or recharge your fire extinguishers.
• Install the extinguishers near an exit, away from heat sources and high enough up on the wall that adults can access them but not small children.
• Review the instructions once a year, since there won’t be time to learn how to use your extinguishers in the event of a fire.
Before using a fire extinguisher:
• Check that everyone else is out of or leaving the home.
• Make sure someone has already called the fire department.
• Confirm that the fire is small and not spreading, with very little smoke.
• Keep your back to an exit that you can use quickly. When using a fire extinguisher always make sure you aim it low at the base of the fire and move the spray from side to side.
Another must, especially for residential units, is to have an escape plan. A small fire in a home can get out of control in an instant. In most cases, you only have two minutes to exit the home. A home security system with professional emergency response monitoring can make sure the fire department is alerted, but that doesn’t keep everyone safe as the fire spreads.
Designing and practicing a fire escape plan can prevent injury and loss of life if the worst should happen. This sort of home fire drill doesn’t have to be a sombre and depressing event, but it’s also not a good idea to make a game out of it, especially if there are small children in the home.
To make a home fire escape plan:
• Have at least two ways out of each room.
• Make sure all doors and windows leading outside open easily.
• Identify secondary routes outside (windows leading to adjacent rooftops, collapsible ladders deployed from upper-story windows, etc.).
• Establish a designated meeting space outside that is a safe distance away from the building.
• If you live in a multi-story building, always plan on using the stairs or the fire escape, never an elevator.