September 29, 2022 / For immediate release
AIRDRIE, ALBERTA – Airdrie Fire Department (AFD) is hosting a series of fire safety events in October to celebrate Fire Prevention Week and educate the community that ‘Fire won’t wait. Plan your escape.’
“Today’s homes burn faster than ever and with as little as two minutes or less, it is critical to prepare in advance on how to safely escape a home fire,” said Airdrie Fire Deputy Chief of Fire Prevention and Public Education, James Kostuk. “Being familiar with what to do when the smoke alarm sounds will save valuable time when it matters most. Simple, but important actions, such as ensuring smoke alarms are working and installed in the right places, along with creating a fire escape plan for each room, will help prepare everyone in the family.”
During the week of October 9-15, AFD will partner with schools to support assisted fire drills and share fire safety information with local students. The winner of the Junior Fire Chief contest will also be announced. All grade four students were eligible to submit a 50 word essay through their school for the chance to become this year’s Junior Fire Chief.
On Saturday, October 22, the community is invited to attend AFD’s popular Fire Safety Day at Chinook Winds Fire Station from 12 – 4 p.m. Residents can drop in throughout the day to view displays, take part in interactive activities, get a photo with Sparky the Fire Dog, and enjoy light refreshments.
Throughout the month, AFD members will visit older adult buildings and go door to door in select communities for home safety visits.
“Every home is different and every home fire escape plan will also be different,” continued Deputy Chief Kostuk. “Have a plan for everyone in the home. Children, older adults, and anyone who may need extra help to wake up and get out. Ensure that the plan meets the needs of all your family members, including those with sensory or physical limitations.”
The key elements of AFD’s home safety visits are easy for any homeowner to check. Smoke alarms should be installed inside every sleeping room, outside each separate sleeping area, and on every level of the home.
Additionally, a home fire escape plan which identifies at least two ways out of every room, if possible, and checking that all doors and windows open easily. Airdrie residents are encouraged to practice their home fire escape plans twice a year, once during the day and at night, to ensure everyone in the home is comfortable with the plan and familiar with the meeting place where everyone will gather.
This year marks the 100th anniversary of the National Fire Protection Association’s (NFPA) Fire Prevention Week in which Airdrie participates annually.
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Media contact:
Deputy Chief James Kostuk
Airdrie Fire Department
403.948.8880