Ministers Salute Fire Prevention Efforts

National Fire Prevention Week comes once a year, but fire safety for students, staff and community school users is a year-round priority for schools and school boards.

The ministers of Labour and Education and Culture, along with the Nova Scotia School Boards Association, are taking this opportunity to commend boards for their continuing efforts to make fire safety education part of the school culture.

"Nova Scotia is in the midst of our largest-ever school renovation and construction program, which is one key to providing safe and healthy learning and teaching environments," said Education and Culture Minister Robbie Harrison.

During Fire Prevention Week, Oct. 4-10, fire safety is given national attention, but fire prevention is an ongoing endeavour and must be a team effort to be successful, said Labour Minister Russell MacKinnon.

"I encourage schools and school boards to take advantage of the educational resources available through the Office of the Fire Marshal, and to make fire drills a regular activity during the school year," said Mr. MacKinnon. "Fire prevention and fire safety are important lessons to be learned --at any age."

One of the most successful fire safety programs is the Learn Not to Burn program, developed by the National Fire Prevention Association, and introduced in Grade 4. In many instances across North America, including here in Nova Scotia, schoolchildren have led their families to safety through a well-planned and practised escape route.

"Schools need both safe facilities and strong fire prevention programming," said Margaret Forbes, president of the Nova Scotia School Boards Association. The association's Self-Insurance Program regularly provides school board staff with inspections and risk-management strategies for fire prevention.

"We will continue to work with the province and school boards to ensure schools are safe places for students and teachers," said Ms. Forbes.