The Moose Jaw Fire Department (MJFD) is holding a community open house in early October as part of its celebrations of National Fire Prevention Week.
The open house is scheduled for Wednesday, Oct. 9 at the South Hill Fire Hall, at 750 Lillooet Street West, from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. There are also tours booked for six elementary schools starting at 9 a.m.
The theme for this year is “Not every hero wears a cape. Plan and practise your escape!” The fire department is teaming up with the National Fire Protection Association — the official sponsor of the week for more than 90 years — to promote this year’s fire prevention week, which runs from Oct. 6 to 12.
In Canada, most fire deaths occur in the home, where people believe they are most safe, according to a news release. Canadian fire departments respond to about 25,600 structure fires per year, and in 2015, structure fires caused more than 1,400 injuries and almost 200 deaths.
“Situational awareness is a skill people need to use wherever they go,” Cathie Bassett, MJFD public education officer, said in a news release. “No matter where you are, look for available exits. If the alarm system sounds, take it seriously and exit the building immediately.”
Fire prevention is something that should be practised all year round, agreed fire Chief Rod Montgomery.
The MJFD encourages all households to develop a home escape plan together and practice it.
The plan should include working smoke alarms on every level of the home, in every bedroom, and near all sleeping areas. It should also include two ways out of every room, usually a door and a window, with a clear path to an outside meeting place — such as a tree, light pole, or mailbox — that’s a safe distance from the home.
