Look. Listen. Learn.
That’s the theme the National Fire Protection Association has set for this year’s annual Fire Prevention Week, running Oct. 8 to 12. The Niagara-on-the-Lake firefighters have found some interesting ways for you to follow along.
Can you guess the number one cause of fires? Unattended cooking. So the department urges you to please look while you cook. They have some fun swag to remind you to keep your eye on the stove.
The listening can be done over free coffee with the firefighters on Friday, Oct. 12. They will be at the McDonald’s at 300 Taylor Rd. from 10 a.m. to noon, ready to answer questions and talk fire safety.
As for learning: Try your hand at fire extinguishing lessons with a simulator that uses lasers to put out an artificial fire. Says Andrew Allan, Fire Inspector and Public Educator, “You should only use an extinguisher if you know how to use it properly.” Jay Plato, Fire Prevention Officer emphasizes, “Getting yourself out and making yourself safe is the priority in a fire situation, but if you feel it’s the right opportunity to use an extinguisher, make sure you know how.”
You can also bring fire extinguishers from your home or business to have them inspected, and learn more about fire safety. All of this happens at Station 1, 2 Anderson Lane, on Wednesday Oct. 10 from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The firefighters will also being visiting local schools for witnessed fire drills and fire prevention talks, and sharing information via their social media channels throughout the week.
