Minister Valcourt and the Aboriginal Firefighters Association of Canada Team Up to Raise Fire Safety Awareness in Aboriginal Communities

Education and Awareness play an integral role in fire safety

OTTAWA, Feb. 9, 2015 /CNW/ - There is no better time than the present to ensure your home and family are prepared in the event of a fire. Today, as part of the BeFireSafe national awareness campaign, the Honourable Bernard Valcourt, Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development, and the Aboriginal Firefighters Association of Canada (AFAC) are teaming up to raise awareness on the importance of a home escape plan in case of fire. 

The Government of Canada and AFAC are launching radio ads, video messages and information posters on how to establish a home escape plan. AFAC proposes tips to draw an escape plan and identify possible exits. They encourage families to practice their plan with their loved ones at least twice a year.

AFAC is leading the #BeFireSafe education campaign in order to spread the word among First Nation communities across Canada about the importance of fire awareness and prevention year round both inside and outside the home. Canada provides approximately $226,198 annually to AFAC to increase awareness of fire prevention strategies.

Quick Facts

• The BefireSafe national awareness campaign features a series of fire prevention and safety tips throughout the year that Canada and AFAC encourage people to follow.
• Protect your family and home by safely operating and maintaining heating equipment, installing and regularly testing smoke and CO alarms, and developing and practising a home escape plan.
• Heating equipment is involved in one in every seven reported home fires and one in every six home fire deaths; make sure that yours is maintained properly.

Quotes

"We all have a role to play in preventing and protecting our families and homes from fires, which is why our Government is once again proud to partner with the Aboriginal Firefighters Association of Canada. Building a home escape plan can make a positive difference and can even save lives. I encourage everyone to practice fire safety and prevention throughout the year and to use AFAC's BeFireSafe tips at home and in their communities."

Bernard Valcourt
Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development

"AFAC continues to collaborate with our regional First Nations organizations and the Government of Canada to help promote fire safety awareness. The risk of fires in our homes is always present but can be dramatically reduced by following simple safety tips. Check your smoke alarms, practice your home escape plan and ensure your heating systems are maintained. Our cultures promotes visiting and extending hospitality, so take a few moments to advise your guests of your home escape plan and ask about your hosts' family escape plan when you travel. You might save a life by spreading fire prevention tips."

Blaine Wiggins
Executive Director, Aboriginal Firefighters' Association of Canada

Related Products

AFAC's BeFireSafe – Home Escape Plan audio news release
AFAC's BeFireSafe – Home Escape Plan infographic 
AFAC's BeFireSafe – Home Escape Plan video

Also see

AANDC – Fire Education and Prevention
First Nation Fire Protection Services: Frequently Asked Questions 

Associated Links

Aboriginal Firefighters Association of Canada 
National Fire Protection Association
Fire Prevention Canada
Emergency Preparedness: Make an emergency plan
Public Safety Canada

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SOURCE Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada

For further information: Emily Hillstrom, Press Secretary, Office of the Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development, 819-997-0002; Media Relations, Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada, 819-953-1160