october 04, 2013

PREVENTION WEEK OCTOBER 6–12

FIREFIGHTER PRAYERFIREFIGHTER PRAYER

WHEN I AM CALLED TO DUTY, GOD WHEN I AM CALLED TO DUTY, GOD WHEREVER FLAMES MAY RACE WHEREVER FLAMES MAY RACE

GIVE ME THE STRENGTH TO SAVE SOME LIFE, GIVE ME THE STRENGTH TO SAVE SOME LIFE, WHATEVER BE ITS AGE WHATEVER BE ITS AGE

HELP ME EMBRACE A LITTLE CHILD, HELP ME EMBRACE A LITTLE CHILD, BEFORE IT IS TOO LATE BEFORE IT IS TOO LATE

OR SAVE AN OLDER PERSON FROM, OR SAVE AN OLDER PERSON FROM, THE HORROR OF THAT FATE THE HORROR OF THAT FATE

ENABLE ME TO BE ALERT ENABLE ME TO BE ALERT AND HEAR THE WEAKEST SHOUT AND HEAR THE WEAKEST SHOUT AND QUICKLY AND EFFICIENTLY, AND QUICKLY AND EFFICIENTLY,

TO PUT THE FIRE OUT TO PUT THE FIRE OUT

I WANT TO FILL MY CALLING AND, I WANT TO FILL MY CALLING AND, TO GIVE THE BEST IN ME TO GIVE THE BEST IN ME

TO GUARD MY EVERY NEIGHBOUR, TO GUARD MY EVERY NEIGHBOUR, AND PROTECT HIS PROPERTY AND PROTECT HIS PROPERTY

AND IF ACCORDING TO MY FATE, AND IF ACCORDING TO MY FATE, I AM TO LOSE MY LIFE, I AM TO LOSE MY LIFE,

PLEASE BLESS WITH YOUR PROTECTING HAND PLEASE BLESS WITH YOUR PROTECTING HAND THE LOVED ONES IN MY LIFE.THE LOVED ONES IN MY LIFE.

-AUTHOR UNKNOWN-AUTHOR UNKNOWN--

Every day, brave men and women put their lives on the line

to ensure our safety, we thank you for your service.

Every day, brave men andwomen put their lives on the line

to protect their community...we salute you!

#103 - 2285 Queen Street Abbotsford, BC V2T 6J31-888-815-0500

2 Friday, October 4, 2013 www.pgfreepress.comFire Prevention

Western Canada Western Canada Fire ProtectionFire Protection2083 S. Ogilvie, Prince George V2N 1X2

www.fi reprotectionpg.ca

Tel: 250-563-1799Fax: 250-563-1755

• FIRE EXTINGUISHERS• FIRE ALARMS• RESTAURANT FIRE SYSTEMS• SPRINKLER SYSTEMS• INDUSTRIAL / VEHICLE FIRE SUPPRESSION SYSTEMS• FIRE SAFETY PLANS

This year Fire Prevention Week will be celebrated and observed October 6-12,

2013. The theme “Prevent Kitchen Fires” is most appropriate as we continue to

experience needless deaths, injuries, and losses from senseless, predictable and

preventable events.

Fire Prevention Canada wants to assist you in your planning for a successful

campaign. With this in mind, we can serve as a valuable resource of worthwhile

information and education programs that can reduce losses. You are invited to

visit our website at www.fiprecan.ca where you will find a FPW Kit along with

items and areas of interest that will support your local campaign. Pamphlets

and fact sheets can be downloaded, printed and handed out or copied and sent

electronically. You will also find suggestions and helpful ideas for local promo-

tion and publicity, including public service announcements, along with ways to

engage your local officials and VIPs who can help promote and disseminate your

fire safety message.

We welcome you to refer your audience to our website for more fire prevention

tips. Of course if you feel there is any additional material that might be of inter-

est or benefit to us and your colleagues, we would like to get such material or

suggestions for additional topics from you.

Fire Prevention Canada is a non-profit organization, which depends on sponsors

and volunteers to help keep Canada fire-safe. In the last year we have collabo-

rated with HRSDC-Labour and a number of corporate sponsors and partners.

We are very grateful for their support. If you have any suggestions for partner-

ing with us, or know of someone who would like to join with us in a wide variety

of mutually beneficial projects, both planned and underway, please refer to our

website for contacts details.

Canadians must be made aware of the simple measures that can be taken to

prevent a devastating fire from occurring in their homes. Let us ensure that the

public is well informed and educated. It’s about life safety first and foremost

and Fire Prevention Canada is committed to helping you with this endeavour.

Together we can save lives.

Sincerely,

Eugene Marotta, P. Eng.

President,

We would like to express our deep gratitude to the following businesses for supporting volunteer firefighters:

Ace Welding & FabricatingAllNorthBank of Nova ScotiaBinnie - PineviewCanforCat RentalsCentennial Auto and Muffl erCity of Prince GeorgeEdgewater HoldingsExcel TransportationHigh Spec ContractingHome HardwareIFS NurseryInk FetishK + D Heating and RepairKronosMcBride & District Public LibraryMcBride Secondary SchoolMurdoch Veterinary ClinicPacifi c Bio EnergyProvince of British ColumbiaPurolatorRegional District of Fraser-Fort GeorgeRobson Valley Recreation CentreRobson Valley Support SocietyRolling Mix Concrete (B.C.)Stan Braun Finish CarpentryVillage of McBrideWR VenturesYRBZenmar Feeds

ACKNOWLEDGING ADDITIONAL VOLUNTEER GROUPS, THANK YOU TO:· PRINCE GEORGE REGIONAL HIGHWAY RESCUE· WILLOW RIVER VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT· PRINCE GEORGE SEARCH AND RESCUE· EMERGENCY SOCIAL SERVICES VOLUNTEERS

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTFOR EMPLOYERS

LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT

The volunteer fire departments are always in need of more volunteers. There are many different roles to provide volunteer services far beyond the role of a frontline

firefighter, such as emergency medical aid, equipment maintenance, filing and documentation just to name a few.

Join a team, join your local volunteer fire department!

For more information please contact Regional District of Fraser-Fort George 250-960-4400.

Sincerely,

www.hub re.comCProudly Manufactured in BC

Supporting Heroes since 1959

Friday, October 4, 2013 3 www.pgfreepress.com Fire Prevention

Dep. Chief Amos Culham

Chief Bruce Perrin

BEAVERLY FIRE RESCUE

BEAR LAKE VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT

Dep.Chief Mike Hochachka

Chief Richard Hersey

BUCKHORN VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT

TOP TIPS:

Arm Yourself Properly in Sleeping Areas

Keep bedrooms and other sleeping areas safe by installing smoke alarms outside each sleeping area, or inside each bedroom if you sleep with doors closed. As well, install a carbon monoxide (CO) alarm outside the master bedroom.

If your home has more than one storey, and especially if you sleep on the second or higher floor, keep a fire escape ladder either under the bed or in a linen closet near a window.

Back Row Left to Right: Chief Bruce Perrin, Lt. Korey Koretz, Cpt. Tom Helson, Amy Goetz, Regan Lokken, Cpt. Keith Brandner, Devon Kromm, Joel Braun, Rhonda Girard, Dan Toopitsin.Front Row Left to Right: Connor Schuetz, Paul Goetz, Lt. Dustin Nelson, Allan Gunnlaugson, Craig Burgess, Cpt. Melanie Perrin, Dean Girard, Camille ColbertMissing: Tanis Brandner, Rob Slavik, Josh Day, Heath de la Giroday, Naomi Day, Nolan Nicholson, Brad Clark, Eric Irving, Colin Dyck, Patricia Culham.

Left to right: Dan Sanchez, Ron Sanchez, Connie Hochachka, Theresa Veldman, Mark Belanger, Ray Bergey,

John Veldman, Laura Sanchez, Tyler Bartlett, Darrel Thompson, Tamara Goerz, Mike Hochachka, Maureen Yeo.

Missing: Chief Richard Hersey, Grant Dickson, Donna Hersey, Carol Chabot, Paul Saliken, Crystal Bergey, April Yeo


Leading the way since 1906Service is our business | Quality is our priority | People make it happen

Automation & ControlBoxes & EnclosuresConduit, Raceway & AccessoriesConnectors & FittingsDistributionFuses & AccessoriesHardwareHealth & SafetyHeating & VentilationIndustrial SuppliesLightingPlumbingSignalling & AlarmTools & AccessoriesWire & CableWiring Devices

Proud Supporters of

Fire Prevention Week 2013

KITCHEN» Avoid loose long sleeves when cooking.» Use appliances that have an automatic shut-off.» Keep a timer handy to remind you when the oven and burners should be switched off.» If you take medication that causes drowsiness, do not use cooking appliances.» Check kettles and toasters for damaged electrical cords and thermostats.

» Use a temperature-controlled electric skillet or deep-fryer for frying.» Never leave your cooking unattended.» Use appropriate cooking appliances and keep them clean.» Keep a pot cover nearby to “put a lid on it” in the event of a fire.

LIVING ROOM» Fireplace: always use a fire screen, ensuring it is the appropriate size for the fireplace opening.» Do not overload electrical outlets or use extension cords in the place of additional outlets.» Smokers should check furniture for fallen cigarettes or embers, which can smoulder undetected for hours before bursting into flames.» Ensure careful use of smoking materials and extinguish in water before disposal.» Never leave cigarettes in an ashtray unattended.» Use ashtrays with a double rim and deep centre.» Keep matches, lighters and lit candles out of the reach of children.» Never leave lit candles unattended.

BASEMENT & ATTIC» Remove all combustible and flammable materials from the basement and attic.» Store gasoline in well-ventilated areas.» Do not store propane indoors.» Use only approved containers to store and transport gasoline.» Have a thorough yearly maintenance check of the furnace carried out by a professional.» When replacing an old furnace, consult a professional to determine the most safe, economical and efficient system for your home.» Chimneys should be cleaned at least once a year.

GARAGE & WORKSHOP» Flammable materials – thinners, gasoline, paints, industrial cleaners – should be stored neatly in approved containers and away from possible ignitable sources.» Do not smoke, or leave matches or lighters in the garage or workshop.» Install and know how to properly use the appropriate fire extinguisher for the garage/workshop.» Keep the area clean. Remove garbage, paper products, oily rags and wood shavings regularly.

BEDROOM» Install at least one smoke alarm outside each sleeping area. » For improved safety, install a smoke alarm in every bedroom.» Check electrical appliances regularly: electric blankets, heating pads, curling irons, radios, TVs, irons.» Bedrooms should be non-smoking areas.

SAFETY TIPSFOR THE HOME


HIXON VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT

DISTRICT OF MACKENZIE FIRE DEPARTMENT

Dep. Chief Roy Whitwick

Chief Bryant Kemble

FERNDALE/TABOR VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT

TOP TIPS:

Cooking is the number one cause of home fires. Kitchen fires are often fast-spreading and very destructive. Knowing how to prevent them is the first step in being safe, but accidents do happen, so it is just as important to know what to do if a kitchen fire starts.

Use these tips and directions to stay as safe as possible in your kitchen.

Arm Yourself Properly in the Kitchen

Install a Photoelectric smoke alarm, which detects the type of slow, smoldering fire that often starts in the kitchen. To cut down on the number of nuisance alarms caused by burnt toast and cooking, ensure that your smoke alarm has a “Hush” button that allows you to temporarily silence an alarm while keeping your family safe if a real fire breaks out.

NEVER remove the batteries from a smoke alarm, or take it off the ceiling, to silence a nuisance alarm.

Equip your kitchen with a BC-rated fire extinguisher within reach in case of fire.

Back Row Left to right: Dave Main, Blake Evans, Brian Froelich, Dave Crampton, Tyrell Whitwick, Layne Getz, Chris WinwoodMiddle Row Left to right: Lindsay Landucci, Teleena Whitwick, Patty Lambkin, Tom Heidsma, Pat BredinFront Row Left to right, kneeling: Roy Whitwick, Bryant Kemble Missing: Peter Shearer, Gary Jamieson, Grant Getz, Gillian Getz, Paul Simon, Brian Standeven, “G” Batchelor-Fjellneer, Darcy Fjellner, Jeni Robinson, Kieth Robinson, William Mosser, Dan Main, Dennel Herman.

Left to right: William Forsyth, Cathy Forsyth, Perry Svensen, Royce Schaff, Cliff Halls, Ted Henson, Ed Dort, Gerald Thompson, Kathy Buxton, Art KaehnMissing: Gary Blair, Dave Halls, Doug Hillman, Juan Huidobro, Jean Tibbles, Jim Buxton, Cadets Garret Buxton and Travis Buxton

Front Row Left to Right: Training Offi cer Kenny Lavoie, Assistant Chief Jim Guise, Fire Chief Jamie Guise, Deputy Fire Chief Keinan Carty, Assistant Chief Mel McMeeken, Captain Jim Wiens.Middle Row Left to Right: Tasha Clarke, Ian Hogg, Captain Ron Blood, Assistant Training Offi cer Greg Duerksen, Bill Berlinski, Gareth Tilt, Captain Greg Niro.Back Row Left to Right: Engineer Joey Abdai, Jared Easton, Lieutenant Robert Potvin, William Logue, Robert Holzmann, Engineer Ernie Weber, Todd Kousins, Steve Kluiters.Missing: Lieutenant Brad Botrakoff, Alex McIntyre, Peter Grogan, Mike Nipp, Mark Kennedy, Josh Kelly, Mitch Magee.


Asst. Chief Travis Wall

Chief Dave Hruby

MCBRIDE DISTRICT VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT

PILOT MOUNTAIN VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT

Dep. Chief Percy Dergez

Dep. Chief Operations Dan Floria

Dep. Chief Training Geordie Hilton

Chief Paul Davenport

Chief Gil Lainey

NESS LAKE VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT

Back row Left to Right: Matt Trudel, Dave Dyer, Avril Harris, Ray Trudel, Leigh Parker, Myron Bedford, Chris Dugdale, Doug Smith, Deputy Chief Percy DergezFront Row - kneeling: Matt Clark, Fire Chief Paul Davenport, Captain Carolyn Davenport, Kendra Kipping, Tom Birkhiem, Bryce KristensenMissing: Dave Schaff, Ben Larson, Jenne Amell, Chris Schloegl, Gerry Bergeron, Dave Christianson

Back Row Left to Right: Brandon Vizza, Mike Earle, Christian Blixrud, Kody Pepper, Sig Harstad, Lieutenant Courtney Lipke, Paul Starlund, Corey Girling, Nathan Dubeck, Hans, Assistant Chief Travis Wall, Lieutenant Ole QuamFront Row Left to Right: Ryan Vizza, Al Frederick, Lieutenant Matt Slaney, Sierra Janecke, Lauren Monroe, Derrick Jones, Emilio Caputo, Christine Monroe, Jen Quam, Captain Lyle Lewis, Martina WallMissing: Fire Chief David Hruby

Back Row Left to Right: Dinah Lainey, Andrew Hubble, Jason Crerar, Heidi Ammundsen, Kevin Mitchell, Kyle Wozney, Tyson Russell, Jason Lainey, Bill Wilkins, Geordie Hilton, Erin Lainey, Lars Andersen, Brandy Miller, Ron Ammundsen, Kim Bonnell, Makayla Wozney, Dan Floria, Carl WozneyKneeling in Front: Gil Lainey, Murray Kerman Missing: Mike Fillion, Warren Kean, Jullian Narayan, Brian Nielsen, Ryan Penner, Harvey Smerychynski, Ian Davis, Cody Thibault, Heather Wozney


PINEVIEW VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT

Dep. Chief Dee Burden

Chief Garry Darbon

SALMON VALLEY VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT

SHELL-GLEN VOLUNTEER FIRE RESCUE DEPARTMENT

Chief Randy Kissel

TOP TIPS:

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) warns consumers that all smoke alarms need to be replaced every 10 years. And, depending upon manufacturers, carbon monoxide (CO) alarms need to be replaced every 5-7 years.

Even though an alarm may sound when you push the test button or replace the batteries, an outdated alarm does not provide the level of protection you need. Sensors weaken and can become obstructed over time.

Check the age of every alarm in your home…right now. If smoke alarms are over 10 years old, or carbon monoxide alarms are over 5-7 years old - replace them immediately!

Left to right: Lyle Wood, Lorne Koch, Brandon Esperhain, Bill Whitmer, Jeff VanDooyeweert, Jeremy Larsen, Rion Floris, Riley Cassidy, Keaton Burns, Mike MacDonald, Shannon Elliott, Pete Robson, Ken SchinkelMissing: Shawna Bygrave, Bill Catherall, Josh Cronk, Pat Delacherois, Gerald Girard, Adam Kole, Ed Larabie, Karen Larabie, Sean Larabie, John Marquis, Elizabeth Ramsay, Nick Stauble, Ashley Connors, Robert Woods

Back Row Left to right: Mark Vejvoda, Shelley Archer, Garry Darbon, Dee Burden, Toby Haiste, Chris Archer.Front Row Left to right Cory Davoren, Tim Klassen, Kelsey Armstrong. Missing: Juanita Shields, Noah Vejvoda, Joseph Klassen, Debra Darbon, Ryan Darbon.

Back Row Left to right: Joshua Campbell, Dennis Lloyd (Capt.), Randy Kissell (Chief), Andrew Evans, Daniel Soars, Andressa Thompson, Gerald Matyas, John Berginc, Sheltin Sardinha, Tim Lentz, Reinaldo Sardinha (Capt / TO)


VALEMOUNT & DISTRICT VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT

Dep. Chief Bob Porteous

Chief Tom Von Sychowski

From left to right: Deputy Chief Bob Porteous, Mark Morton, Liz Campbell, Natasha Schlueter, Jim Shepherd, Alison Morton (on truck), Rick Johnson, Gordon Innis, Chandra Malcolm, Kearns , Fire Chief Tom Von Sychowski.Missing: Ken Bielert, William Campbell, Katie Kelly, Sharolynn Briere, Stephanie Gerdsen

RED ROCK/STONER VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT

The Staff of the Prince George Free Press would like to thank all the fire fighters andvolunteers for keeping our children safe.

Parts, Service & Equipment30686-A Matsqui PlaceAbbotsford BC V2T6L4

1-877-776-3473

Profi re is proud to support and

salutes our Fraser-Fort George fi re

fi ghters during fi re prevention week.

TOP TIPS:

Arm Yourself Properly at the Cottage

Equip the cottage as you would your home. Install smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) alarms, as well as fire extinguishers and test them regularly. National Fire Protection Association recommendations apply: one per floor and outside sleeping areas. If you sleep with doors closed, install alarms inside bedrooms.

Be as familiar with the exits from your cottage and outbuildings as you are with those at home, and create an escape plan for your family. Share it with visiting guests.


Guide to Fire SafetyThe best way to keep fire safe is to be watchful of the

children in your charge:

• Never leave children unsupervised.

• Check on sleeping children regularly.

• Keep matches and lighters out of their reach.

• Do not light candles while babysitting.

• Don’t smoke on the job.

• Keep children away from the stove, hot liquids, electric

lamps and space heaters.

• Keep space heaters at least 1 metre (40 inches) from

drapes, furniture and bedding.

• Cook safely and only if you have permission.

•Turn pot handles in to avoid children knocking them over or

pulling them down.

• Smother a pan fire with a lid. Never use water.

• Make sure you know what cooking materials can be used

for the microwave.

Burn Prevention• Always test hot foods and liquids before feeding.

Fire Safety: What to do, because fire spreads fast - don’t delay!• If your clothes catch fire, STOP, DROP & ROLL on the floor

to smother the flames.

• Cool minor burns with cold water. If your skin is blistered,

charred or dead white, get emergency help immediately.

• When you see flames, smell smoke or hear the smoke

alarm, get everybody out of the house.

• Feel the door first. If it isn’t hot, open it very slowly.

• If there is fire or smoke use another exit.

• Crawl low under smoke - the air near the floor is safer to

breathe.

• If you cannot escape, close the door and seal around it with

cloth to prevent smoke from entering the room.

• Always use the stairs and never the elevators.

• Designate a meeting place a safe distance from the house

and make sure everyone is there.

• Take the children to a neighbour.

• Phone the emergency number from the neighbour’s home.

• Give the complete address, describe the situation and

inform the operator if anyone is still inside.

• Stay on the phone until you are told to hang up.

• Do not go back to the house for any reason.

EMERGENCY NUMBERS:FIRE:

POLICE:

AMBULANCE:

PARENTS:

NEIGHBOUR:

THIS ADDRESS:

BABYSITTER’S FIRE SAFETY GUIDE

Hot ThingsCan Burn

Children are often not aware that

many household items can cause

burns or start fires.

As the babysitter, you are responsible for the children in your care. Here are

some important points you need to know if there’s a fire emergency in the home

where you babysit.

Before the parents leave:Write down the complete address and phone number of the place where you are

babysitting and phone numbers for:

• Fire, Police, Ambulance & Emergency Services - often one number - 9-1-1.

• Where the parents can be reached.

• Neighbour(s).

Keep this information in your pocket so that it’s with you at all times and handy

in case of an emergency.

Plan Your EscapeIf there is a fire while you are in charge, you must know what to do:

• Is there a fire escape plan? If not, develop one.

• Identify all escape routes.

• Find at least two ways out of each room.

• Plan how you and the children will escape safely.

• Decide on an outside meeting place.

• Ask for a demonstration of the smoke alarm.


The two leading causes of fire deaths and injuries among older adults are smoking materials and the misuse of portable space heaters.

Tips to Remember• Smokers should have a designated area away from

upholstered materials, such as the kitchen table.

• Never smoke in bed while reading - it is too easy to fall

asleep and print materials are highly flammable.

• Sleep with the bedroom door closed in order to provide more

time to escape if a fire occurs.

• Keep space heaters well-ventilated and at least three feet

away from flammable materials. Unplug space heaters when

not in use.

• Extension cords are for temporary use only and should not be

used with a space heater or electric blanket.

• Never run electrical cords under a carpet or rug.

Smoke Alarms can save your life!Smoke alarms are inexpensive and easy to install. For assis-

tance with the location and installation of smoke alarms, call

your local fire department see and visit our Smoke Alarms fact

sheet.

• Ensure there is a working smoke alarm on every floor of the

home and outside every sleeping area.

• Have a friend or relative test your smoke alarm while you are

asleep to ensure you can hear it.

• Once a month, test the battery by pushing the test button and

drift smoke from a snuffed-out candle into the alarm.

• Once a year, change the battery.

2133 Ogilvie Street, Prince George, BC V2N 1X2

Phone: 250-562-7227 Fax: 250-562-8808

Toll-Free: 1-866-592-7227

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Sprinkler Systems & Hydrants

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FIRE SAFETY FOR SENIORS• To clean the smoke alarm, open the cover and gently vacuum

the unit with a soft brush attachment.

• Replace smoke alarms if they are more than 10 years old.

Fire Escape Planning saves lives:• Develop and practice a fire escape plan. Be sure to include all

hallways and stairs.

• Know: (1) two ways out of every room (2) how to escape from

all levels of your home.

• Ensure all doors and windows can be unlocked or opened.

In case of fire - GET OUT AND STAY OUT – never go back into a burning building.• Crawl low near the floor to the nearest exit maintaining

contact with the wall.

• Test the door by feeling it with the back of your hand. If it is

hot, do not open. Use an alternative route.

• If the door and knob are cool, stay low with your shoulder

against the door while opening slowly. Be ready to close the

door if smoke and heat rush in.

• If trapped, put as many closed doors as possible between

you and the fire, and seal all cracks in doors and windows

with towels or bedding.

• If your clothing catches fire, stop where you are, drop gently

to the ground and cover your face with your hands while roll

ing back-and-forth to put out the flames.

• Cool minor burns with cold water.


Public encouraged to visit www.3minutedrill.alberta.ca

Research over three decades has shown that modern homes may be

making house fires more deadly than ever before.

Newer homes and furnishings are made with more synthetics which make

fires ignite and burn faster. They also release more toxic gases when

burned. Most fire victims die from smoke or toxic gases and not from

actual burns. Deadly conditions are reached much more quickly now than

in the 1970s when more natural materials were used in home and

furnishings.

Over thirty years ago, an important study conducted tests in actual homes

with sizes and floor plans, furniture and items, and smoke alarms on the

market. That report concluded smoke alarms generally provided the

necessary escape time for different fire types and locations. This research

led to the popular use of smoke alarms in residential settings.

A more recent 2005 study found a troubling difference with the previous

investigation. The amount of safe escape time was consistently shorter

and the fire growth rates were faster. It is thought that synthetic materials

currently found in homes contributed to this change.

The study concluded that because fires could be more

aggressive, the time needed to escape home fires has

been reduced from approximately 17 minutes to as little

as three minutes.

This gives less time for occupants to escape a fire and

is shorter than the seven minute response time target

for fire services. This disparity can mean the difference

between life and death.

In May 2008, Alberta Municipal Affairs launched a public

education and awareness campaign to make citizens

aware of the three-minute window of safety in a house

fire and the seven minute fire services response time.

In rural areas served by volunteer fire departments, the

response times can be expected to be longer than the

seven minutes expected of career fire departments.

The public is encouraged to plan for a three-minute

evacuation in case of a fire.

The campaign serves as a reminder of our personal

responsibility for fire safety: the prevention of fires in

the first place; the detection of smoke and fire with

working smoke alarms as a second line of defense; and

evacuation to safety by having a well-rehearsed fire

escape plan as the third and most important action. The

TV commercial is designed to motivate the public to visit

a unique, interactive website,

www.3minutedrill.alberta.ca This site contains easily

understood fire prevention and safety tips using a model

house in cross-section. In addition, it provides smoke

alarm and escape planning information.

MODERN HOUSES BURN FASTER

PracticeOutdoor Safety

Outdoor fire safety rules are habits that

should be established with children

early so they can use them throughout

the years to come

october 04, 2013

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