Public Service Announcement

Halifax Regional Fire & Emergency Gets Set for Fire Prevention Week!

(Friday, October 3, 2008) – Halifax Regional Fire & Emergency would like to remind the public about fire safety during Fire Prevention Week, October 5-11. This year's theme, "Prevent Home Fires" focuses on preventing all the leading causes of home fires –– cooking, heating and electrical equipment, and smoking materials. Additionally, fire safety educators will be teaching local residents how to plan and practice escape from a home in case a fire occurs.

Do you know how to keep your home safe from fire hazards? Reviewing the following information and taking action can help you "Prevent Home Fires" during Fire Prevention Week and year-round.

· Cooking: Stay in the kitchen when you are frying, grilling, or broiling food. If you leave the kitchen for even a short period time, turn off the stove.

· Candle Safety: Use battery operated lights instead of candles. Keep candles away from combustibles. Extinguish all candles before leaving area. Do not place lit candles in windows where blinds, or draperies can close over them.
Heating: Keep all things that can burn, such as paper, bedding or furniture, at least 3 feet away from heating equipment.

· Electrical: Replace cracked and damaged electrical cords; use extension cords for temporary wiring only. Consider having additional circuits or receptacles added by a qualified electrician.

· Smoking: If you smoke, smoke outside; wherever you smoke, use deep, sturdy ashtrays.

Halifax Regional Fire & Emergency is offering the following Fire Prevention Week activities for residents, starting with an information display at the Home Show this weekend at Exhibition Park.

There will be a Fire Prevention Week Contest in all HRM Elementary Schools, as well as fire prevention activities throughout the HRM area.

HRM residents are also reminded to install smoke alarms on every level of the home and to maintain them with monthly testing and bi-annual battery replacement. HRM residents can learn more by visiting National Fire Protection Association's official fire prevention week website at www.firepreventionweek.org.

To learn more about Fire Prevention Week, visit www.halifax.ca/fire

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For further information contact:

Public Education Officers
Halifax Regional Fire and Emergency
490-4017