In conjunction with Fire Prevention Week last week, many fire departments across Manitoba held open houses. There were several throughout the southeast as well.
While the highlight for many of the children who attend the open houses is the opportunity to sit in the fire trucks and see other equipment used to fight fires, there is a very important and serious message that is conveyed as well. This year’s theme for Fire Prevention Week was “Hear the beep where you sleep.” This message was to encourage people to have working smoke alarms on every floor of their home and also in every bedroom. Half of all home fire deaths result from fires between 11 p.m. and 7 a.m. and having working smoke alarms helps to wake and alert those in the home.
It is also recommended that smoke alarms be tested monthly and that all smoke alarms in your home be replaced every 10 years.
The open houses across the region also had different demonstrations about how to respond and prepare for the possibility of a house fire. It is a great way to combine much needed education together with a fun experience.
The open houses were also an opportunity to say thank you to the many volunteer and part-time firefighters that we have in our region. Each of these men and women dedicate many hours to training and to responding to emergency calls. This is in addition to the other occupations or community activities that they are involved in. Of course, Fire Prevention Week isn’t the only week that we are grateful for their service; it is an appreciation that extends throughout the year.
If you would like more information about fire safety, visit the website of the Manitoba Office of the Fire Commissioner at www.firecomm.gov.mb.ca.
