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Health News For Champlain

Friday, October 05, 2012
Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Services
A Fire Escape Plan Saves Lives

Ontario is reminding families how important a home fire escape plan is to mark Fire Prevention Week — Oct. 7 - 13.

During Fire Prevention Week, fire services across Ontario will be organizing activities to inform community residents about fire safety. Families can get involved by:

Identifying anyone who requires assistance to get out of the home safely, such as small children, older adults and people with disabilities.
Ensuring there is a working smoke alarm on every storey and outside all sleeping areas of the home.
Identifying all possible exits, including windows, and making sure they are accessible and work.
Knowing exactly what to do when the smoke alarm sounds.
Developing and practicing a home fire escape plan. A plan greatly increases your chances of surviving a fire in your home.
Establishing a meeting place outside the home where everyone can assemble and be accounted for.

The theme for Fire Prevention Week 2012 is "Have 2 Ways Out" and encourages families to plan in case of a fire, and to have a backup plan in case the first escape route is blocked.

Quick Facts:

In 2011, fire killed 75 Ontarians in their homes.
Every year in Ontario, fires result in more than half a billion dollars lost in fire damages.
You may only have seconds to safely escape a fire in your home.

Learn More:

To learn more about how to keep your family safe from fire, visit the Office of the Fire Marshal website. Contact your local fire department for more information about their Fire Prevention Week activities.

Contacts

Seirge LeBlanc
Minister’s Office
416-325-2240

Carol Gravelle
Office of the Fire Marshal
416-325-3138