Kelowna

The Kelowna Fire Department reminds residents that it’s the time of year again to take time to review or establish a fire escape plan.

Fire crews will give presentations on fire safety across the city as part of Fire Prevention Week Oct. 7-13, an annual awareness initiative.

The Kelowna Fire Department warns that home smoke detectors are required by law in British Columbia and that every year, injuries or deaths occur because alarms were not working.

“It’s not a new message, but smoke alarms are essential to a home fire prevention plan,” says Greg Daft, fire prevention officer. “This year, we want everyone to ensure they have smoke alarms in their home and that they have an escape plan in case there’s a fire.”

“Have 2 Ways Out” is the theme for Fire Prevention Week across Canada this year.

A home fire escape plan prepares anyone caught in an emergency to think fast and get out quickly when the smoke alarm sounds, explains the fire department. It’s important to have two ways out of the house in case smoke or flames block the first escape route.

In Canada, nearly all deaths caused by fires in the home could have been prevented by taking a few simple precautions, such as having working smoke alarms and a home-fire escape plan that includes two ways out of the home.

“This is a good time of year to review keeping your home and family safe by developing an escape plan, practicing it, and equipping homes with life-saving technologies like smoke alarms and home fire extinguishers,” adds Daft.

To learn more about Fire Prevention Week, visit the National Fire Prevention Association’s website.