Port Moody Fire Rescue encourages residents to look, listen, and learn to prevent a house fire

In advance of Fire Prevention Week (October 7 to 13, 2018), Port Moody Fire-Rescue encourages residents to look, listen, and learn to prevent a house fire or escape safely if one breaks out. 

“It’s important to take a good look around your home, inside and outside, for places where a fire could start,” says Port Moody Fire Chief Ron Coulson. “Identify potential hazards, and take care of them. Make sure you have at least one working smoke detector in your home. Test the smoke detector with your family so everyone knows what the alarm sounds like, as you might have only minutes to escape safely once the smoke detector sounds. 

“Make sure all family members have agreed on an outside meeting place that is a safe distance from the home,” continues Coulson. “Learn two ways out of every room and practice your home escape plan so your family will be able to respond quickly and safely in an emergency.” 

A home escape plan includes working smoke alarms on every level of the home, in every bedroom, and near all sleeping areas. It also includes two ways out of every room, usually a door and a window, with a clear path to an outside meeting place (like a tree, light pole, or mailbox). Visit portmoody.ca to download a planning form. 

Through education, Fire Prevention Week empowers people to take small steps that can make a big difference by preventing fires and saving lives. Visit firepreventionweek.org for fire facts and safety tips that can help you keep your family safe.