About HRSDC | Our Offices | Programs & Services | A-Z Index September 30, 2004 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE OTTAWA, ONTARIO—On Parliament Hill today, Marlene Catterall, M.P. for Ottawa West‑Nepean, Ontario, on behalf of the Honourable Joe Fontana, Minister of Labour and Housing, with Frank Albert, former President of Fire Prevention Canada, joined elementary school children, fire department officials, children’s performer Mary Lambert, and “Sparky” the Fire Dog to officially launch Fire Prevention Week. The Week will run this year from October 3rd to 9th. “It’s Fire Prevention Week: Test Your Smoke Alarms” is this year’s theme and it could save your life. Approximately 70 per cent of residential fire deaths result from fires in homes with no smoke alarms or smoke alarms that are not working. Smoke alarms provide early warning when a fire occurs, yet are useless if they do not operate correctly. “So many fatalities could be avoided if we all take a moment to test our smoke alarms,” said Marlene Catterall. “I challenge Canadians to help reduce the statistics by testing their alarms today and by teaching children what to do when the alarm sounds,” added Mrs. Catterall. Ensuring that households are equipped with working smoke alarms is only part of the solution. When the alarm signals, children and families should know what to do: all families should have an escape plan and practice it. Walk through the home and inspect all possible exits and escape routes. Households with children should consider drawing a floor plan of the home, marking two ways out of each room, including windows and doors. Also, mark the location of each smoke alarm. Choose an outside meeting place at a safe distance in front of the home where everyone can meet after they have escaped. Make sure to mark the location of the meeting place on the escape plan. “This year’s theme underscores a very sad fact,” said Mr. Albert. “Fire fighters continue to respond to fatal fires, only to find that the smoke alarm was not functioning. Please, test your smoke alarms. A human life is worth more than the price of a battery.” The Labour Program of Human Resources and Skills Development Canada promotes and encourages compliance with national and international fire protection standards within the federal government and First Nation communities. Protecting all Canadians from the consequences of fire is a responsibility shared by all levels of government and by all Canadians. Proclaimed in observance in Canada for 85 years, Fire Prevention Week reminds Canadians of the need to remain alert and responsive to the dangers of fire. - 30 - For more information: Peter Graham Office of the Minister of Labour and Housing (819) 953-5646 Web site: www.hrsdc.gc.ca Shirley Gallant Fire Prevention Canada (613) 749-3844 shirley@fiprecan.ca BACKGROUNDER Fire Prevention Week, October 3-9, 2004 Fire Prevention Week is the annual focal point for fire prevention activities sponsored by Fire Prevention Canada and the Canadian fire service at the federal, provincial, and municipal levels. Fire Prevention Week has been proclaimed in Canada since 1919. This particular week was chosen on the recommendation of both Canadian and American fire prevention authorities to commemorate the Great Fire of Chicago, which occurred on October 9, 1871, killing 300 people and destroying 17,430 buildings. The Great Fire of Chicago, coupled with the blaze on Parliament Hill in February 1916, helped to increase awareness of fire prevention in Canada. Each year, the Governor General of Canada signs the Fire Prevention Week Proclamation, which is published in the Canada Gazette. The Proclamation reminds Canadians of the need to remain vigilant and responsive to the dangers of fire. The Governor General is Honorary Patron of Fire Prevention Canada who, together with its parent organizations—the Council of Canadian Fire Marshals and Fire Commissioners and the Canadian Association of Fire Chiefs—work with the public and private sectors to achieve fire safety through education. Fire Prevention Canada develops educational and promotional materials for use by the Canadian fire service and the public throughout the year and during Fire Prevention Week. Fire Prevention Canada also organizes and coordinates the national launch of Fire Prevention Week in the National Capital Region. The Labour Program of Human Resources and Skills Development Canada supports Fire Prevention Canada and its activities geared to public education. In Canada, there are 14 federal, provincial and territorial jurisdictions responsible for fire safety legislation. In addition, municipalities also enact fire safety by-laws. Although fire safety legislation may vary among different levels of government, the ultimate objective is the same: to protect the lives and property of Canadians. The Labour Program, with support from its regional offices, is responsible for administering, enforcing and promoting Treasury Board’s policy and standards on fire risk management, and for codes and regulations pertaining to fire prevention under the Canada Labour Code. Its activities are mainly geared to buildings under federal jurisdiction, to Public Service employees and to First Nations. Saturday, October 9 is designated Fire Service Recognition Day in appreciation of the many services rendered by Canadian fire services. October 2004
