Calgary,
04
October
2018
|
11:00
America/Denver

Calgary Fire Department ramps up engagement with Calgarians during Fire Prevention Week

Calgary Firefighters are ramping up fire safety education programs for Calgarians during Fire Prevention Week, October 7th to 13th, 2018. The focus this year is “Look. Listen. Learn. Be aware. Fire can happen anywhere”. Three main initiatives are planned for the week.

Each year, the Calgary Fire Department works with the Alberta Children’s Hospital to appoint a Junior Fire Chief to act as Calgary’s fire safety ambassador and share the importance of fire safety with friends, family and fellow patients. On October 9th, Calgary’s Junior Fire Chief will be announced and presented with duty gear and a certificate commemorating this special honour.

On October 11th, members of the Calgary Fire Department, along with representatives from the Alberta Fire Commissioner’s Office and ATCO will be conducting a smoke alarm safety blitz, visiting homes to test and replace smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, and inform residents about the importance of proper disposal of smoking materials. Smoke alarms have been at the centre of Fire Prevention Week for the past three years because they are proven to give residents the best chance of escaping home fires and reducing serious injury.

Four firehalls will hold open houses on October 13th from 1 to 4 p.m. with activities for the kids, fire station tours, treats, refreshments and fun ways to learn about keeping families safe from fire. Participating firehalls include:

  • McKenzie Town Fire Station 30 (6 McKenzie Towne Gate S.E.)

  • Saddleridge Fire Station 32 (800 Saddletown Circle N.E.)

  • Signal Hill Fire Station 33 (3800 69th Street S.W.)

  • Symons Valley Fire Station 40 (12920 Symons Valley Road N.W.)

“CFD is reminding all Calgarians that you can make a difference in your community and keep your loved ones safe,” says Chief Steve Dongworth. “We invite Calgarians to participate in Fire Prevention Week events and learn to look for places fires can start, listen for the sound of your smoke alarm and learn two ways out of your home in the event of an emergency.”

Fire Prevention Week is held annually by fire departments across North America. It was proclaimed in Canada in 1919 to commemorate the Great Chicago Fire of 1871, as well as a major fire that destroyed the Centre Block of the Parliament buildings in Ottawa on February 3, 1916.

To learn more about Fire Prevention Week, visit calgary.ca/firepreventionweek.