Fire Prevention Week runs from Oct. 7 to 13

Kawartha Lakes Fire Rescue is urging everyone in the City of Kawartha Lakes to look, listen and learn about fire safety during this year’s Fire Prevention Week. This year’s theme of Fire Prevention Week, which runs from Oct. 7 to Oct. 13, is “Look. Listen. Learn. Be aware. Fire can happen anywhere.”

“Everyone has a responsibility to protect their family and home from fire,” says Mark Pankhurst, fire chief. “Prevention is always the best course of action. Identify potential fire hazards in your home and take action to make sure a fire doesn’t start and that you and your family know what to do if a fire happens.”

The City’s Fire and Life Safety Educator, Alana Erwood, will be visiting stores around the City to speak with and educate residents about fire safety during Fire Prevention Week. Residents can also stop by any Municipal Service Centre to get information on fire safety and prevention.

On Friday Oct. 12, Kawartha Lakes fire fighters will be at McDonalds in Lindsay from 10 am to Noon for the Coffee with a Firefighter event during Fire Prevention Week. Be sure to stop by and speak with your local firefighters about fire safety.

This year’s theme focuses on three key actions people can take to be fire-safe; Look, Listen and Learn:

Look for potential fire hazards around your home. Take action to prevent a fire from starting:

*   Always stay in the kitchen while cooking and if you leave be sure to turn off the stove
*   Encourage smokers to smoke outside and always extinguish cigarettes in large, deep ashtrays that cannot be knocked over
*   Check electrical cords for damage such as fraying or nicks as a damaged cord can expose wires and result in a potential shock or fire hazard
*   Never leave candles unattended

Listen for the smoke alarm 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 so you and your family know how to get out quickly if a fire happens.

For more information about fire safety, please visit the Fire Safety and Prevention section on the City’s website.