RELEASE — Fire Prevention Week kicks off this Sunday, and Kingston Fire & Rescue (KFR) invites residents and schools to learn the sounds of fire safety and to put their artistic skills to the test for a chance to win up to $1,000 in prizes.
Fire Prevention Week is held annually to promote fire safety at home, school and in the workplace. The theme of this year’s event is Learn the Sounds of Fire Safety.
“It’s important to learn the different sounds of smoke and carbon monoxide alarms. When an alarm makes noise—a beeping sound or a chirping sound—you must act!” says Delbert Blakney, Fire Inspector with KFR.
Blakney urges every household to understand the unique sounds of life-safety alarms and know how to respond. “To learn the sounds of your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, check the manufacturer’s instructions that came in the box, or search the brand and model online,” says Blakney.
From Oct. 3 to 9, KFR will share videos to educate residents on the leading causes of home fires and fire hazards to look out for.
Community Contest: Chalk One Up
Throughout Fire Prevention Week, KFR will also be hosting two Chalk One Up for Fire Safety contests in partnership with Kingston’s Canadian Tire locations. Starting Oct. 3, residents can pick up a FREE Chalk One Up for Fire Safety kit at any of the three Canadian Tire locations, while supplies last.
Community-wide
Residents, media partners, and businesses are invited to:
- Draw a fire-safety message on their driveway or sidewalk.
- Snap a photo of their artwork, and share the photo with KFR by tagging them on Facebook or Twitter (@KtownFire).
- There are three Canadian Tire Prize Packages to be won including a $100 gift card and a fire safety package.
Schools
Schools are invited to compete for a chance to win $1,000 in gym equipment from Canadian Tire.
- Each school will receive a bucket of chalk and instructions on how to participate in the contest.
- Once schools draw their fire safety message, they will take a photo of their chalk work and share it with KFR by tagging them on Facebook or Twitter (@KtownFire).
- Judging the school submissions will be representatives from three Canadian Tire locations and a member of KFR.
Both contests run from Oct. 3 to 9. Winners will be announced the week of Oct. 11.
Watch for firefighters in your neighbourhood next week, as KFR crews will be making stops around Kingston to drop off educational door hangers and brochures with tips to keep your family and home safe.
To find out more about Fire Prevention Week programs and activities please contact Kingston Fire & Rescue at fireprevention@cityofkingston.ca or 613-548-4001 (ext. 5123). For more general information about Fire Prevention Week and fire prevention in general, visit www.fpw.org.
Release | Image source: Kingston Fire and Rescue
