Public Service Announcement

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

(Wednesday, October 5, 2005) – Halifax Regional Fire & Emergency would like to remind the public about fire safety during Fire Prevention Week, October 8-15. This year's theme, “Use Candles with Care - When You Go Out - Blow Out" highlights a growing residential fire concern, as home candle fires have reportedly risen 300% in the last decade.

Halifax Regional Fire & Emergency is offering the following Fire Prevention Week activities for residents starting with the Kick-Off on Saturday, October 8 with the Halifax Mooseheads at the Metro Centre. There will also be a Fire Prevention Week Contest in all HRM Elementary Schools. In addition, display booths will be set up as follows:

Saturday, October 8 - 6 Canadian Tire locations in HRM*-10:00 am-2:00 pm
Tuesday, October 11 - Halifax Shopping Centre - 10:00 am - 2:00 pm
Wednesday, October 12 - Hubley Shopping Centre, Tantallon - 10:00 am - 2:00 pm
Thursday, October 13 - MicMac Mall - 10:00 am - 2:00 pm
Friday, October 14 - Bedford Place Mall - 10:00 am - 2:00 pm

(*All Canadian Tire Stores in HRM with the exception of Quinpool Road)

In addition to using candles safely, HRM residents are urged to ensure that smoke alarms are installed on every level of the home and maintained with monthly testing and bi-annual battery replacement. All smoke alarms should be replaced with a new unit after 6-10 years. Each member of the household needs to know the fire escape plan, and all should practice it twice a year. HRM residents can learn more about candle safety and all forms of fire prevention by visiting NFPA’s official fire prevention week website at www.firepreventionweek.org.
If you require further information, please call 490-4017.

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