The theme for this year’s Fire Prevention Week is:
“LOOK. LISTEN. LEARN. Be aware. Fire can happen anywhere.”
Why is Fire Prevention Week important to all Canadians?
Fires can start anywhere! Consider these 2012 - 2016 ignition source statistics from Office of the Fire Marshal and Emergency Management(
1):
- 18% cooking
- 9% electrical distribution equipment – wiring
- 8% heating/cooling
- 8% miscellaneous (which includes fires - natural causes and chemical reactions)
- 8% arson
- 7% cigarettes
- 5% appliances
- 4% other electrical, mechanical
- 4% Exposure fires
- 3% other open flame tools (excluding matches, lighters)
- 2% candles
- 2% lighting excluding candles
- 1% matches or lighters (excluding arson fires)
- 1% processing equipment
- 20% reported as undetermined
What you can do today:
LOOK for potential fire hazards around your home. Take action to prevent a fire from starting. Always stay in the kitchen while cooking. If you must leave, turn off the stove. Encourage smokers to smoke outside. Always extinguish cigarettes in large, deep ashtrays that cannot be knocked over. Check electrical cords for damage such as fraying or nicks. A damaged cord can expose wires and result in a potential shock or fire hazard.
LISTEN for the smoke alarms in an emergency. Make sure everyone knows the sound of the smoke alarms and can hear them in an emergency. Early detection of fire provided by smoke alarms gives you the extra seconds you need to get out safely.
LEARN two ways out of every room. Practice a home fire escape plan with everyone in your home before a fire starts so you and your family can get out quickly.