P.A. Fire Dept. holds open house for Fire Prevention Week

Oct 11, 2017 | 1:00 PM

Prince Albert’s fire department is holding an open house and a rescue demonstration today to recognize Fire Prevention Week.

Deputy Fire Chief Corey Rodgers said the department has a booth set up in Gateway Mall all week long, and firefighters will be on hand to answer any questions from the public, give away prizes and help with fire safety planning. Rodgers said the 15th St. E. fire hall will be open to the public today from 11-3 as well, and anyone can come watch a demonstration of a car extrication today at 1:30 p.m.

“We’d like to get people down to the hall and show them our equipment and talk a little bit about what we do,” Rodgers said.

Rodgers said the theme of this year’s Fire Prevention Week is “every second counts,” and described the importance of good safety planning. Rodgers said having two ways out of every room, designating a meeting place and practicing the safety plan with all family members are simple steps that can be life-saving.

“If it’s 2 a.m. and you don’t know what to do, you’ve practiced this and it’ll be like second nature,” Rodgers said. “Practice makes perfect.”

With Halloween fast-approaching, Rodgers said there are a few simple steps to ensure everyone stays safe on the spookiest night of the year. These include accompanying young children, avoiding open flames and making sure everyone can see – and be seen by – passing vehicles.

“We want to be able to see the kids, and if they’re wearing masks they should be able to see where they’re walking,” Rodgers said. “Go trick-or-treating with the kids and maybe give the candy they’re getting a quick inspection before they dig into it.”

Rodgers said anyone who cannot make it to the open house and demonstration today can simply phone the fire hall and arrange a tour.

 

Taylor.macpherson@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @TMacPhersonNews