Are you sure your smoke detectors are going to go off if there's a fire in your house?
Of all of the occasions we celebrate as a community and as a newspaper, we always think Fire Prevention Week is one of the most important. Not only is this our chance to say thank you to our incredibly hardworking volunteer firefighters, but it’s also a good time to figure out our own fire plan. That includes making sure you have smoke detectors in good working order, in keeping with the Fire Prevention Week theme for this year.
On the first point, we cannot say enough about how exceptional our community firefighters are in the Cowichan Valley. They spend countless hours practising and keeping in shape, keeping the equipment in working order, and just generally making sure they are at the ready for when they are called.
Many of these volunteers do more than just fight fires. They are first responders to crash sites, and are called out to provide medical aid or employ the jaws of life.
These men and women deserve to be celebrated, at least once a year.
The other important part of Fire Prevention Week is that it’s a reminder. Change out your smoke alarm batteries, and if your alarms are more than 10 years old you should replace them. Check your fire extinguishers, and carbon monoxide monitors, if you have them. Are all of the entries and exits to your house useable, or have you piled junk in front of a door or window that should be moved? Do you have flammable things sitting too close to heaters or other appliances, candles, or lamps that could spark or ignite?
And, critically, do you have a plan for what you will do in case of a fire? Does your entire family know the plan and have the same plan?
Now is the time to think about these things, not when you’re running for the door with a cloth over your nose to keep from breathing in the smoke. Everyone in your house needs to know how to get out. They need to know where you’re going to meet after exiting the building. What is the plan for any pets in your household?
For that matter, do you know what the fire plan is at your workplace? Do you know where the emergency exits are, and where you are to assemble if you have to evacuate? If your orientation tour is a distant memory it's a good time for a refresher.
As many in B.C. know all too well, having a checklist ready of what you will grab if you have to evacuate if there's a wildfire near you is a good idea as well.
Prevention and preparedness can avert tragedy.
