Fire Prevention Week

by Rob Benneian

Windsor Fire and Rescue Services is stressing the importance of having an escape plan in their annual Fire Prevention Week.

The awareness campaign is held every October and will take place Oct. 7-13 at locations across the city. This year’s theme is “Have Two Ways Out!” which is a message Windsor’s Chief Fire Prevention Officer Lee Tome said is key to surviving a fire.

“Look at two ways out. Depending on your room you’ll either go out a front door or a back door and if there is a fire and you’re unable to get out of your room there is a window,” Tome said.

Tome is a veteran of nearly 30 years with Windsor Fire and has served the last seven years as CFPO. He said there is more to fire safety than having two safe ways out of your home or business.

“Most importantly, practice your home escape plan. Not only is it important to have a home escape plan, it’s very important to practice it, have everyone participate and make any changes to your plan if necessary,” Tome said. “You would look where the sleeping areas are (and determine) what would you do in the event of a smoke alarm activation in your home and how would you get out.”

Tome said having a working smoke alarm is most important to fire safety.

Firefighters will be conducting presentations at Devonshire Mall and Tecumseh Mall over the course of Fire Prevention Week, including an interactive demonstration on how to use a fire extinguisher.

For more fire safety information, visit the City of Windsor YouTube channel.

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