(AGENPARL) – ven 07 ottobre 2022 [Manitoba Media Notice]
October 7, 2022
Manitobans Reminded of Fire Safety Measures as 100th Anniversary of Fire Prevention Week Marked Oct. 9 to 15
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Plan Ahead to Help Protect Yourself and Your Family: Clarke
CARBERRY—Manitobans are reminded of the importance of fire prevention measures as the Manitoba government marks the 100th anniversary of Fire Prevention Week, Oct. 9 to 15, Municipal Relations Minister Eileen Clarke and minister responsible for the Office of the Fire Commissioner, announced here today.
“This year’s theme – Fire Won’t Wait; Plan Your Escape – is good advice that reflects the urgent need for all Manitobans to plan in advance to protect themselves and their families should a home fire emergency occur,” said Clarke. “This national public education initiative encourages everyone to take simple, but important steps now to promote fire safety and reduce the human and economic costs of house fires.”
Fire is fast. Residents may only have a few minutes to safely escape a house fire from the time the smoke alarm sounds. By changing the batteries in smoke alarms every six months and making a home fire escape plan, the chances of a safe escape from a home will greatly increase in the event of a fire, the minister noted.
“It’s important for everyone to plan and practise a home fire escape plan and know what to do if the smoke alarm sounds including having an outdoor meeting place that’s suited for weather conditions,” said Clarke. “Remember that children, older adults and people with disabilities may need extra help if an emergency occurs, so plan accordingly.”
Some key home fire escape planning tips include:
– Make sure plans meet the needs of all family members including those with sensory or physical disabilities.
– Smoke alarms should be installed in every sleeping room, outside each separate sleeping area, and on every level of the home. Smoke alarms should be interconnected, so that when one sounds, all alarms are activated.
– Know at least two ways to exit every room, if possible. Make sure all doors and windows open easily.
– Have an outside meeting place, located a safe distance from the home, where everyone should meet after exiting the home and have a warm place to go in cold weather.
– Practise the home fire escape plan at least twice a year with everyone in the household including guests. Practise at least once during the day and at night.
To learn more about Fire Prevention Week programs and activities across the province, visit http://www.manitoba.ca/firepreventionweek or contact the Office of the Fire Commissioner at [www.firecomm.gov.mb.ca](http://www.firecomm.gov.mb.ca/).
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For more information:
– Public information, contact Manitoba Government Inquiry: 1-866-626-4862 or 204-945-3744.
– Media requests for ministerial comment, contact Communications and Stakeholder Relations: 204-451-7109.