Mission Fire Rescue Service is hosting a series of events in support of this year’s Fire Prevention Week (Oct. 6-12), including its annual Fire and Life Safety Fair.
The event runs from 1 to 4 p.m. on Oct. 6 at Fire Station 1 located at 33330 Seventh Ave.
Mission Fire Rescue is teaming up with the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) – the official sponsor of Fire Prevention Week for more than 90 years – to promote this year’s Fire Prevention Week campaign, “Not Every Hero Wears a Cape. Plan and Practise Your Escape!”
The campaign works to educate everyone about the small but important actions they can take to keep themselves – and those around them – safe.
NFPA statistics show that in 2017 U.S. fire departments responded to 357,000 home structure fires. These fires caused 2,630 fire deaths and 10,600 fire injuries. On average, seven people per day died in a fire in a home from 2012 to 2016.
“These numbers show that home fires continue to pose a significant threat to safety,” said Lorraine Cali, NFPA’s vice president of outreach and advocacy. “In a typical home fire, you may have as little as one to two minutes to escape safely from the time the smoke alarm sounds. Escape planning and practice can help you make the most of the time you have, giving everyone enough time to get out.”
While NFPA and Mission Fire Rescue Service are focusing on home fires, these messages apply to virtually any location.
“Situational awareness is a skill people need to use whenever they go,” said fire inspector Ian Glasgow. “No matter where you are, look for available exits. If the alarm system sounds, take it seriously and exit the building immediately.”
To find out more about Fire Prevention Week programs and activities in Mission, contact Mission Fire Rescue at 604-826-3793. For more general information about Fire Prevention Week and home escape planning, visit fpw.org.