Home fires today can burn faster than ever with occupants having as little as one to two minutes to escape safely from the time the smoke alarm sounds. Knowing how to use that time wisely takes planning and practice.
The Penticton Fire Department is teaming up with the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) to promote this year’s Fire Prevention Week message: “Look. Listen. Learn. Be aware. Fire can happen anywhere.” The campaign highlights three steps people can take to help quickly and safely escape a fire:
- Look for places fire could start.
- Listen for the sound of the smoke alarm
- Learn two ways out of every room.
Data from Statistics Canada (Stats Can) show that the number of structure fires declined by 26 per cent between 2005 and 2014. However, residential fires consistently accounted for roughly six of every 10 structural fires during that period. According to Stats Can, cooking equipment and smokers’ material caused approximately six of every 10 residential fires.
“Awareness is a skill people need to use wherever they go,” said Fire Chief, Larry Watkinson. “Be aware of available exits. If the alarm system sounds, exit the building immediately.”
To mark Fire Prevention Week, the Penticton Fire Department is hosting a series of events in support of this year’s Fire Prevention Week campaign.
|
EVENT |
DATE/TIME |
WHERE? |
NOTE! |
|
Fire Extinguisher Training |
Tuesday, October 9 (8:30am to 4:30pm) |
Fire Station 202, 285 Dawson Ave. |
Pre-Registration Required - $5.00 P/P |
|
Seniors’ Luncheon |
Wednesday October 10 (11:30am to 12:30pm) |
Seniors’ Drop-in Centre |
Maximum 50 |
|
Neighbourhood Visit |
Thursday, October 11 (1:00 to 4:00pm) |
98 Okanagan Avenue, The Pines |
Home Inspections! |
|
Fire Chief for a Day Ceremony! |
Saturday, October 13 (1:00 to 3:00pm) |
Fire Station 202, 285 Dawson Ave. |
Elementary School Draw Winners! |