Create a fire safety plan this Fire Prevention Week

Did you know that Fire Prevention Week takes place October 6th-12th?

“It’s important that every family has a fire safety plan and that they practice the plan so they know what to do in an emergency,” said Manitoba Growth, Enterprise and Trade Minister Blaine Pedersen, in a media release.

“It doesn’t take long to prepare and can be a good family project. Practicing the escape plan could make the difference between getting out unharmed and being trapped inside if a fire breaks out,” he said.

This year’s theme is ‘Not Every Hero Wears a Cape, Plan and Practice your Escape.’

That could include drawing a map of the home and marking two exits from each room, practicing a fire drill and teaching children how to call 911.

Fire experts say people have less than two minutes to escape a burning home once a smoke alarm goes off.

This year’s campaign includes the following safety tips:

• Install smoke alarms on every level of the home and in every bedroom for maximum protection.
• Remove smoke alarms from the wall or ceiling, check for the manufacture date and replace any that are 10 years old or older.
• Connect hard-wired smoke alarms throughout the home so when one sounds, they all do.
• Test alarms monthly.
• Ensure everyone in the home knows the sound of the smoke alarm and understands they should go outside immediately if they hear it.
• Agree on a family meeting place.
• Stay outside and call the fire department.

Source: How to create a fire safety plan this Fire Prevention Week