On average, fire kills eight people each week in Canada, with residential fires accounting for 73 per cent of these fatalities.
A new national fire safety survey reveals that while a majority of Canadians believe they are protected from fires in their homes, many are failing to implement two essential measures needed to maximize home fire safety.
The annual Duracell Fire Safety Survey, conducted in partnership with the Canadian Association of Fire Chiefs (CAFC), reveals that 70 per cent of Canadians surveyed feel protected from fires.
At the same time, however, about 40 per cent said they do not have a fire escape plan in place for their home, and 75 per cent said they have not practiced a home fire drill in the past year.
Worse yet, the survey shows the number of people failing to practice a home fire drill had gone up when compared to the 73 per cent reported in the Duracell Fire Safety survey of a year earlier.
With Oct. 9 to 15 marking Fire Prevention Week across Canada, Duracell and Canada's fire chiefs are urging Canadians to be better prepared for a home fire emergency.
"The new survey seems to reflect a gap between fire safety expectations and reality, in terms of Canadians doing all they can to reduce the risk of a devastating tragedy," said Len Garis, B.C.'s representative for the CAFC.
"Having a fire escape plan in place - and practicing it at least once a year - is fundamental to maximizing home fire safety."
Another major element of home fire escape planning is making sure there are batteries in all of your home's smoke alarms, and that they are changed at least once a year. Additionally, smoke alarms should be tested monthly and replaced every 10 years.
PROTECT FAMILY FROM FIRE
The theme for this year's Fire Prevention Week, which takes place from Oct. 9 to 15, is Protect Your Family From Fire.
Fire Prevention Week is recognized every October during the full week - Sunday through Saturday - that Oct. 9 falls in.
Despite the fact fewer fire losses are reported in Canada, still, on average, eight Canadians die from fire every week. Most of these fires are preventable and caused by careless behaviour.
That is why it is critical to educate Canadians and incite them to act. During this week, fire departments across the nation will promote public awareness of the dangers of fire and the ways we can protect ourselves from fire.
"This year's theme underscores the importance of making Canadians aware of the simple preventative measures they can take to prevent disaster from occurring to them," says Delta fire chief Dan Copeland.
"Statistics reveal that most fires are caused by careless behaviour. An ounce of prevention in this case will save lives, homes and everything that we hold dear. It is the responsibility of every Canadian to educate themselves on the simple fire prevention measures they can take."
The Delta fire department is hosting an open house at the Ladner fire hall this Saturday, Oct. 8, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The event will offer information on everything from fire safety in the home to firefighting as a career.
