Port Hope Fire Reminds Residents that “Fire won't wait. Plan your escape”

The Port Hope Fire Department is teaming up with the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) to promote this year’s Fire Prevention Week campaign, “Fire won’t wait. Plan your escape.” This year’s campaign runs October 9 to 15 and educates us about simple but important actions we can take to keep ourselves and those around us safe from home fires.

“It’s important for everyone to plan and practice a home fire escape. Everyone needs to be prepared in advance, so that they know what to do when the smoke alarm sounds” notes Jeff Ogden, Fire Chief for the Municipality of Port Hope. “Have a plan for everyone in the home. Children, older adults, and those who may need assistance to wake up and get out. Every home is different, which means every escape plan will be different.”

Community Open House

Fire and Emergency Services invites the community to learn more at their free Open House on Tuesday, October 11 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. View the firetrucks, obtain fire safety information and enjoy a free BBQ. The Open House is taking place at all three fire stations:

• Fire Station 1 (245 Ontario Street)
• Fire Station 2 (4366 County Road 2)
• Fire Station 3 (3588 Ganaraska Road)

Additional Tips

Residents are also encouraged to get together with all members of the household this week to develop, plan, and practice a home fire escape plan. It is important to know two ways out of every room where possible and have one family meeting place. Here are some key home fire escape planning tips:

• Make sure your plan meets the needs of all your family members, including those with sensory or physical disabilities.
• By law, every home must have working smoke alarms. At a minimum, smoke alarms are required outside each separate sleeping area on every level of a home. Codes have changed over the years. If you are not sure what the requirements are for your home, please visit porthopefire.ca
• Know at least two ways out of every room, if possible. Make sure all doors and windows open easily.
• Have an outside meeting place a safe distance from your home where everyone should meet.
• Practice your home fire drill at least twice a year with everyone in the household, including guests. Practice at least once during the day and at night.

To find out more about Fire Prevention Week programs and activities in Port Hope, visit porthopefire.ca. For more general information about Fire Prevention Week and fire prevention in general, visit www.fpw.org.

2022-10-07