St. Albert youths will get a chance to lead the city’s fire department this weekend at an open house meant to spark interest in fire prevention.
St. Albert Fire Services is holding an open house Oct. 7 to kick off Fire Prevention Week — an annual campaign which aims to show people how to prevent fires.
“A vast majority of fires are preventable,” St. Albert Fires Services fire prevention officer Ryan Harley said in an interview.
Saturday’s open house will feature free hot dogs and juice, a bouncy castle, and tours of the fire hall, Harley said. Guests can also enter contests for a home fire safety kit, a gift card, and the coveted post of Fire Chief for the Day. The youth who becomes chief for the day will get picked up from school in a fire truck, given a helmet, and tasked with overseeing whatever training exercises St. Albert’s firefighters happen to be doing that day.
Harley said residents should follow a few simple steps to prevent fires at home:
- Create and rehearse an evacuation plan, one that includes two exits from your home and an outside muster point.
- Test your smoke detectors every six months (typically when Daylight Saving Time starts and ends) and replace them every 10 years.
- Store a hose-equipped fire extinguisher near your kitchen.
The open house runs from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Fire Hall One at 20 Gate Ave. Visit stalbert.ca/city/eps/fire/home for additional fire safety tips.
