Fire Prevention Week Focuses On Escape Planning

Fire Prevention Week has begun and this year’s theme focuses on the importance of home escape planning.

Michael Lewis, the provincial fire marshal for New Brunswick, said from the time the alarm sounds, you may have only 60 seconds to safely escape.

“Fire safety begins at home,” said Lewis in a news release. “Identify your exits and plan and practice your escape.”

The Department of Public Safety has several tips for people as they prepare and practice their home escape plans.

• Draw a map of your home with all members of your household, marking two exits from each room and a path to the outside from each exit.
• Practice your home fire drill at least twice a year. Conduct one at night and one during the day with everyone in your home, and practice using different ways out.
• Teach children how to escape on their own in case you cannot help them.
• Make sure the number of your home is clearly marked and easy for the fire department to find.
• Close doors behind you as you leave. This may slow the spread of smoke, heat and fire.
• Have a designated meeting place outside. Once you get outside, stay outside. Never go back inside a burning building.
• Call 9-1-1 from outside the home.

Fire Prevention Week is Oct. 6-12. From the time the alarm sounds, you may have as little as one minute to safely escape. Fire safety begins at home. Identify your exits and plan and practise your escape. Thank you to all our first responders who help keep New Brunswickers safe. pic.twitter.com/hSC3JsRQSy

— Government of NB (@Gov_NB) October 6, 2019

“The safety and security of New Brunswickers is the government’s top priority,” said Public Safety Minister Carl Urquhart in a news release.

“As we sponsor fire prevention week we are pleased to join our provincial partners to help educate the public about fire safety.”

Fire departments throughout the province will be organizing activities to promote fire safety.

Fire Prevention Week runs from Oct. 6 to 12.