‘Today's homes burn faster’: Georgina Fire and Rescue Services urges families to practice home escape plan

Yorkregion.com
Sept. 19, 2022

“Fire won’t wait. Plan your escape.”

That’s the theme behind this year’s national Fire Prevention Week, Oct. 9 to 15.

This year’s campaign stresses the simple but important steps everyone can take to keep themselves and their families safe from home fires.

“Today’s homes burn faster than ever,” said Georgina fire Chief Ron Jenkins.

“You may have as little as two minutes -- or less -- to escape a home fire from the time the smoke alarm sounds.”

It’s important for everyone in the house to practise a home escape plan so they know what to do when the smoke alarm sounds, he added.

Every home is different, so each fire escape plan will also be different.

“Have a plan for everyone in the home. Children, older adults and people with disabilities may need assistance to wake up and get out. Make sure someone will help them.” he said.

Georgina Fire and Rescue Services offer tips for fire escape planning:

• Ensure the plan meets the needs of all family members -- children, seniors and including those with sensory or physical disabilities;

• Smoke alarms should be installed in each sleeping room, outside separate sleeping areas and on every level in the home;

• Know at least two ways out of every room. Ensure all doors and windows open easily;

• Have a designated meeting place outside, a safe distance from the home -- a tree, street light or a neighbour’s home. In case of a fire, everyone should go directly to the meeting place to be accounted for. Call 911. Never re-enter the burning building.

• Practise a home fire drill at least twice a year, once during the day and once at night, with everyone in the household;

 

To kick off fire prevention week, Georgina Fire and Rescue Services is hosting its annual open house, Sept. 24 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Sutton Fire Hall, 37 Snooks Rd., Sutton.

Learn more about planning a fire escape route and other fire prevention tips.

The family-friendly event will also include a free community barbecue, interactive fun fire safety activities and a bouncy castle.

Firefighters will also conduct an auto-extraction demonstration at 12:30 p.m.

For more information, visit georgina.ca/fire.