INNISFAIL – Look. Listen. Learn. Be aware -- fire can happen anywhere.
That’s the theme for this year’s Fire Prevention Week, Oct. 7 to 13.
Innisfail fire Chief Gary Leith said it’s a theme with a message that people need to heed.
“The message really is not to be complacent,” said Leith. “To ensure you have a working smoke detector and that you check them regularly. Also, to make sure that you learn your safety plan with your family and have that safety plan in place. In the event of the smoke alarm going off or that you have an actual fire in your home, you know what to do and you pre-plan for it,” he added.
According to the National Fire Protection Association, this year’s theme also includes looking for places where fire can start, listening for the sound of your smoke alarm and learning two ways out of each room.
It’s a message that applies to both the home and the workplace, said Leith.
“Whether that be in the workplace or whether it be in your own home,” he said, noting a common cause of fires today. “The most likely cause of fire in the home currently is still through cooking. Pay attention when you’re cooking, don’t leave a hot stove unattended and pots on the stove, and be careful when frying foods that can cause a higher risk.”
Leith said the fall is a good time to remind people about the importance of fire prevention and fire safety.
“We’re approaching winter so your furnace is going to get switched on again. Make sure your carbon monoxide alarm is working and checked regularly as well as your smoke alarm,” he said.
“That’s why Fire Prevention Week is in October. It’s a transition (time) from fall to winter.”
Leith also stressed the need to be prepared, particularly during the winter months, with a bag containing necessities and warm clothing.
“Have a warm jacket and important information (and identification) in a place where you know you can grab them quickly and leave the house.”
Leith said the Innisfail Fire Department also uses Fire Prevention Week to share the importance of fire safety and preparedness, not just to the public but at local schools, organizations and seniors' homes.
“We go out to the schools for presentations and we take Sparky out,” said Leith. “We also go to the Innisfail Seniors Drop-In Centre (Lundgren Centre), condo associations and places like Autumn Glen Lodge.”
