Fire Prevention Week, October 7 – 13, 2012

Fire Prevention Week runs October 7 – 13, 2012. This year’s theme is “Have 2 Ways Out!”. When the smoke alarms sound, everyone must know where to go – that’s why it is so important for everyone to have working smoke alarms and to develop and practise a home fire escape plan.

Fire and smoke can spread quickly, so be prepared in advance with these simple steps for home fire escape planning:

• Identify anyone who requires assistance to get out of the home safely, such as small children or older adults

• Make sure everyone in the home knows the sound of the smoke alarm

• Know two ways out of all areas, if possible

• Assign someone to help those who need assistance
• Identify a safe meeting place outside
• Call the fire department from a neighbour’s home or cell phone

• Have everyone participate
• Make changes to your plan if necessary

Families are encouraged to use How to Make a Home Fire Escape Plan (PDF 1.13 MB) and Fire Safety Checklist (PDF 5.38 MB) to learn how to keep their homes safe from fire and in their home escape planning. Reproduced from NFPA's Fire Prevention Week website, www.firepreventionweek.org. ©2012 NFPA

Fire Department Resources

Many resources are available to assist fire departments in their local Fire Prevention Week campaigns. Visit our Fire Prevention Week Resources page for print, radio and television PSAs. A sample news release template is available to help fire departments raise awareness about fire safety and publicize Fire Prevention Week events and activities.

And don’t forget, key messaging cards, previously distributed to all fire departments, include talking points that can be utilized for interviews, presentations or when speaking to the public on fire safety topics during Fire Prevention Week and throughout the year. For copies of the key message reference cards, please contact Gina Pontikas at 416 325-3155 or gina.pontikas@ontario.ca.

If any fire department would like to have a representative from the OFM attend a local Fire Prevention Week event or if there are any enquiries regarding the Fire Prevention Week theme or activities please contact Gina Pontikas at (416) 325-3155.