Fire Prevention Week 2007

Fire Prevention Week is an excellent time for Nova Scotians to develop and practice home fire escape plans.

The theme for this year's Fire Prevention Week, Oct. 7 to 13, is Practice Your Escape Plan, which is designed to remind families to discuss fire-prevention techniques and emergency responses.

"This year's Fire Prevention Week theme is a timely and vital reminder to not only develop a fire escape plan, but to also practice it with everyone in the household," said Bob Cormier, Nova Scotia Fire Marshal. "A good fire escape plan that is practiced twice a year, can save lives."

Mr. Cormier reminds all Nova Scotians to be prepared for the unexpected when it comes to household fires.

Following are a few tips that can help keep Nova Scotians safe in case of a fire:

• Install working smoke alarms on every level of a house.
• Develop a fire escape plan that identifies two ways out of each room and a family meeting location outside.
• Make sure your plan is tailored to fit the specific needs of the household.
• If a smoke alarm sounds, go to your closest exit. If there is smoke in your way, turn and use the second way out. If you must exit through smoke, get low and go under the smoke if possible.

For more information on Fire Prevention Week see the website at www.nfpa.org.