Nelson Fire department staff urges public to have two ways out
By Nelson Daily Staff
Chase Lake wasn’t concerned about having two exits from his house.
The young lad was more concerned about the sitting behind the wheel of the fire truck Friday afternoon as the Nelson Fire Department called awareness to Fire Prevention Week with a display of equipment at the corner of Josephine and Baker Streets.
Fire Prevention week kicked off Sunday across Canada.
Fire Prevention Week was established in 1919 on the anniversary of one of the most significant fires in North America, the 1871 Chicago Fire.
This year’s theme, Have Two Ways Out, focuses on preparing and knowing how to safely evacuate from your home.
In addition to creating a fire evacuation plan fire departments across Canada urge households should have working smoke alarms — particularly in sleeping areas — as well as an extinguisher.
Homeowners are encouraged to check smoke alarm batteries monthly and clean the devices twice a year.
Nelson Fire Department staff was out in full force Friday answering questions from the public about fire prevention and the equipment.
Now that Fire Prevention week is in full swing Nelson Fire & Rescue Services has joined with Panago’s to offer some lucky delivery customers the chance to win free pizza.
Customers ordering from Panago’s during Fire Prevention Week may see a fire truck showing up at the door.
To win just prove it’s your home with a working smoke alarm.
If no working alarm can be found, the fire fighters will be on hand to give customers a new alarm and offer advice on where to install it.
Kids can get in on the action, too.
School-aged kids are encouraged to put together a Fire Escape Plan, showing two ways out of the rooms in their homes.
Of those who submit plans prior to October 28th, a winner will be selected.
The winner will have dinner with the firefighters and show off the winning plans to the Chief himself.
Hard copies can be dropped off at the fire hall, or scanned and emailed to firecontest@nelson.ca
Nelson Fire & Rescue Services offers the following tips for making sure smoke alarms are maintained and working properly:
• Test smoke alarms at least once a month using the test button, and make sure everyone in your home knows their sound.
• If an alarm “chirps,” warning the battery is low, replace the battery right away.
• Replace all smoke alarms, including alarms that use 10-year batteries and hard-wired alarms, when they’re 10 years old (or sooner if they do not respond properly when tested).
• Never remove or disable a smoke alarm.
To find out more about Fire Prevention Week programs, contests, and activities in Nelson, contact Nelson Fire & Rescue Services at 352-3103 or visit the city’s website, www.nelson.ca, and search for the Fire Prevention Week page.
Quick Facts:
* In 2011, residential fires accounted for nearly 83 per cent of fire-related injuries in British Columbia.
* On average, one British Columbian is injured by fire approximately every 45 hours in B.C.
* In 2010, there were 2,120 residential fires reported in B.C., resulting in 33 fatalities. In 2011, there were 2,000 residential fires reported, resulting in 21 fatalities.
* The main objective of Fire Prevention Week is to raise awareness concerning fire safety and to keep the public informed.
