Statement from Minister Goodale on Fire Prevention Week

OTTAWA, Oct. 10, 2017 /CNW/ - The Honourable Ralph Goodale, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, made the following statement today to mark Fire Prevention Week:

"This week, from October 8 – 14, we mark Fire Prevention Week in Canada. This year's theme is "Every second counts: Plan two ways out."

It's difficult to consider the devastating impact that fires can have on our families and our communities. However, we know that fires are very dangerous and spread quickly.

Make an evacuation plan with two or more safe ways to exit your home, and practise this plan with your family. It is a quick and easy way to help protect yourself and your loved ones in the event of a fire.

For those in high-rise buildings, usually when there's a fire the best plan is to get out using the stairs, not the elevator. But if you decide to stay or cannot leave, you may be there a long time. Be sure to keep smoke from entering your apartment by sealing the cracks around the door and placing wet towels at the bottom.

I commend the work of Fire Prevention Canada and other fire safety leaders, which help ensure Canadians are aware of fire safety practices to help prevent fire before it starts. I would also like to thank firefighters across the country for their courage and public service when faced with dangerous emergencies, both large and small. Particularly, I would like to thank the volunteer and professional firefighters who helped to defend British Columbia against more than 1,200 wildfires that burned across the province this year.

For more home fire and smoke alarm tips, and to learn how to prepare for all types of emergencies, visit www.GetPrepared.gc.ca or follow @Get_Prepared on Twitter."

Follow Public Safety Canada (@Safety_Canada) on Twitter.

For more information, please visit the website www.publicsafety.gc.ca.

SOURCE Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness Canada

Scott Bardsley, Office of the Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, 613-998-5681; Media Relations, Public Safety Canada, [phone]