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Fire Prevention Week theme is ‘look, listen and learn’

October 12, 2018   ·   0 Comments

By Mike Baker

The Orangeville Fire Department is urging local residents to look, listen and learn this week to show their support for Fire Prevention Week.

Running from Oct. 7 to 13, this year’s event will serve to educate people on the importance of maintaining fire safety apparatus in their homes, while remaining mindful that fires can happen anytime, anywhere.

“Everyone has a responsibility to protect their family from fire,” says Orangeville Fire Chief Ron Morden. “Prevention is always the best course of action. Identify potential fire hazards in your home and take action to ensure a fire doesn’t start. Only working alarms give you the early notification of a fire and the time you and your family need to escape safely. Most fatal fires occur at night when everyone is sleeping, so early warning is crucial to survival.”

The department is focusing on teaching three key fundamental actions people can take to be fire safe – look, listen and learn.

Chief Morden notes that as homeowners, people should always look for potential fire hazards in their home. Easy steps that can be taken to avoid a fire breaking out include staying in the kitchen while cooking, encouraging smokers to smoke outside or, if they smoke inside, to always completely extinguish cigarettes in large, deep ashtrays that can’t be knocked over, and 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,” Chief Morden said.

When it comes to listening, Chief Morden said people should know exactly what their fire alarm sounds like so they can take immediate measures in case of an emergency. He encourages homeowners to learn two ways out of every room and to practise a home fire escape plan with everyone in the home at least twice a year.

Raising awareness throughout the community is key, and members of the local department organized three different events over the course of the week. On Oct. 10 firefighters partnered up with Domino’s Pizza, whereby a fire truck accompanied delivery drivers on select orders. Upon arrival, they offered the homeowner a free examination of any fire and carbon monoxide alarms in the home. Participants were then provided a coupon for a free large, one-topping pizza and a special fire prevention goodie bag.

On Friday, residents can join firefighters for free coffee at McDonald’s on Riddell Road from 10 a.m. until noon. Chief Morden said around half a dozen firefighters will be on hand to talk about fire safety. For children, Sparky will also be in attendance.

Then on Saturday members from the local department will be at Home Depot from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., where they will, again, discuss fire safety with residents. Sparky will once again be on hand, while kids can also build their own fire truck or fire boat.

Check next week’s Citizen for an in-depth feature on the Orangeville Fire Department and the services it provides to the community.

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