Fire Chief C. Ryan Edgar is urging Port Hope residents to practice their home fire escape plan as part of Fire Prevention Week, which runs October 8th to 14th.
This year’s theme is “Every Second Counts: Plan Two Ways Out!”
The Chief warns that fire and smoke move fast and there may not be time to figure out how to escape your home after a fire starts.
His advice is to practice an escape plan so you can get out safely.
In recognition of Fire Prevention Week this year, the Port Hope Fire and Emergency Services Department is hosting Open Houses across the Municipality at the three fire stations located in Port Hope, Welcome and Garden Hill on October 10th at 6:30 p.m.
Each fire station will have activities, fire safety information and free food and drinks - an evening of fun for the whole family. This year, the inflatable fire safety house will be located at the Garden Hill station.
In a fire, there may only be seconds to safely escape from the home. Port Hope Fire and Emergency Services Department urges residents to prepare in advance with these simple steps for home fire escape planning:
Assess the needs of everyone in your home.
Identify anyone who requires assistance to get out of the home safely, such as small children or older adults.
Make sure that you have working smoke alarms on every level of the home and outside all sleeping areas.
Make sure everyone in the home knows the sound of the smoke alarm.
Identify all possible exits (doors and windows) and make sure they work.
Identify two ways out of all areas, if possible.
Everyone must know what to do when the smoke alarm sounds.
Assign someone to help those who need assistance. Identify a safe meeting place outside. Call the fire department from outside the home – from a neighbour’s home or a cell phone.
Practice your home fire escape plan at least twice a year.
Have everyone participate. Make changes to your plan if necessary.
For more information, contact the Municipality of Port Hope Fire and Emergency Services Department, 5325 County Road 10, Port Hope, 905.753.2230, www.porthopefire.ca
