Chatham-Kent's health unit and fire department want residents to know fire safety goes beyond remembering to stop, drop and roll.
During Fire Prevention Week, which runs from Sunday to Saturday, Chatham-Kent Fire & Emergency Services (CKFES) and the Chatham Kent Public Health Unit (CKPHU) will be encouraging residents to take action to reduce the risk of house fires.
“Homes can be completely engulfed in flames in a matter of minutes,” says Public Educator Whitney Burk. “As fires can spread quickly, it is important for people to reduce their risk by not smoking in their homes and to dispose of their butts safely when smoking outside.”
This year’s Fire Prevention Week theme is "Every Second Counts: Plan 2 Ways Out." The campaign teaches residents how to develop a home escape plan and practice it.
CKFES will also be visiting apartments over three storeys to discuss the "My Part – Apartment Fire & Emergency Safety Planning" campaign, which informs apartment dwellers on how to evacuate safely or create a shelter during an emergency. As well, fire crews will be encouraging residents who smoke, to smoke outside.
“Smoking inside the home exposes everyone to second-hand smoke from which there is no risk-free level of exposure and puts them at risk of fire related injury or death,” says Public Health Nurse Laura Fay. “To reduce second-hand smoke and fire risks, landlords and tenants can adopt smoke-free policies to make their buildings a safer and healthier place to live.”
The partnership between CKPHU and CKFES aims to educate landlords and tenants about the risks of smoking in multi-unit dwellings across CK.
For more information about the Fire Prevention Week or the My Part – Apartment Fire & Emergency Safety Planning campaign go online or call CKFES at (519)-360-1198. For information about smoke-free policies go online or call Chatham Kent Public Health at (519)-352-7270.
