Salute to Firefighters

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A Salute to Our Local Firefighters Fire Prevention Week October 9 to 15

October 12, 2016

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October 12, 2016

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Members of Pincher Creek Emergency Services are: front row, from left, Lucas Gurba, Nichole Boissoneault, Melissa Singerland, Lynn Brasnett, Shelby Stokke and Amanda Valin-Campbell; back row, from left, Ricard Claude, Thornton Root, Greg Hallet, Pat Neumann, Michael Whittington, Ian Campbell, Sheri Monk and Alyssa Monk. Missing from photo are Dave Cox, Joey MacLeod, Matthew Philips, Shawn Watmough, Nellie Maund Stephens and James Raffin.

Pincher Creek EMS spreads word on fire safety

By Brad Quarin With Fire Prevention Week underway, members of Pincher Creek Emergency Services are spreading the message to check the expiration dates on smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.

This week, Alberta’s Office of the Fire Com-

MAKE SURE YOUR HOME IS SAFE FROM FIRE Don’t wait, check the date on all your smoke detectors – it could save your life!

missioner is emphasizing the importance of having working detectors, and local firefighters are visiting kindergarten students to teach fire safety.

“Fire safety has to start at a young age,” says Deputy Chief Pat Neumann.

Children of that age are pretty impres-

sionable — interested in meeting people such as firefighters whose job is something out of the ordinary.

As well, children come across matches and other potential hazards, and playing with these materials can result in grass and structure fires.

See FIRE SAFETY, continued on page 11

The Co-operators thanks the firefighters of our communities — your ser vice is invaluable!

PINCHER CREEK VETERINARY CLINIC 403-627-3900 1124 Waterton Ave. Pincher Creek

403-627-4211 1300 Hewetson Ave. Pincher Creek

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FIRE SAFETY,

continued from page 10 During the week, Pincher Creek’s firehall will be open for visitors to stop by and chat with EMS personnel and check out the vehicles.

Expiration dates on alarms would be a great topic for conversation, given the theme of the week.

Smoke detectors are generally meant to be replaced every 10 years, Pat says. The expiry date is on the side of the alarm.

As detectors age, the electronics deteriorate, and dust and dirt can affect the sensor’s sensitivity.

Some detectors may work to a degree after 10 years. “But the question is, will they give an early enough warning, or are they accurate enough?” Pat asks.

If the alarm has expired, he recommends calling an electrician, picking up a new alarm at a store or calling the firehall.

Batteries should be replaced at least once a year. It’s easy to remember if you do it each fall, at the time when you adjust your clock for daylight saving time.

All smoke detectors have a test button. Do this once a month and you’ll know you’re battery is charged and the detector is functioning.

The Pincher Creek fire department has 18 members, with another 10 in Lundbreck and eight in Beaver Mines, Pat says.

All of the firefighters are volunteers except for himself and Chief Dave Cox. Both Pat and Dave contribute volunteer hours on top of their fulltime jobs at EMS. Fire prevention and public relations are part of Pat’s responsibilities, so Fire Prevention Week is important.

Besides checking the expiry dates on alarms, Pat also encourages readers to be mindful that grass in this season is becoming dry, which makes the risk of grass fires high.

October 12, 2016

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Teamwork is key for members of Pincher Creek Emergency Services

By Brad Quarin weekend, and two At Pincher Creek practices each Emergency Services, month, on top of the it’s common to find number calls you people who work can handle. both as emergency One can’t serve medical technicians as an EMT and fireand as firefighters. fighter at the same Shelby Stokke time, so Shelby can’t can share insight on fight fires on a call life in the local EMS when the ambulance this Fire Prevenis required. tion Week, as she As a firefighter, is employed as an she has to inspect EMT and volunteers the vehicles and for the fire departkeep updated on the ment. latest best practices.

“I love how On fire calls, she we work as such a plays different roles Photo by Brad Quarin team when we’re each time, as she is Shelby Stokke has been with Pincher Creek Emeron [calls]. I think trained in a number gency Services for three years. there’s really great of different tasks. communication on them,” she says.

She is currently taking Level 2 training, which is “It feels good to be able to work as a team an advanced level in firefighting. towards the same goal, and achieve that.”

Shelby has never felt in danger on a call, and After graduating from high school in 2009, that’s partly because she feels she can depend on Shelby studied nursing in Lethbridge, but became the team. intrigued by ambulance services.

“I trust everyone I work with,” she says.

“Since I was in nursing, I liked the medical In some places, women face prejudice about side,” she says. “I wanted to try out the ambulance, meeting physical requirements in firefighting, but because I like how the environment is changing all Shelby says that’s not an issue in Pincher Creek. the time, and the critical-thinking aspect.”

“We have so many females on the department,” She joined Pincher Creek EMS in 2013. As she says. an EMT, she responds to calls and handles daily Like other members of the fire department, duties such as inspecting the vehicles and equipshe maintains a gym membership and physical ment. training.

After becoming an EMT, she also became Shelby has been with EMS for three years. “I involved in the fire department because the love the job and I also love the people that I work services are integrated under Pincher Creek with,” she says.

Emergency Services.

The most rewarding part is the sense of Experience with firefighting is important at achievement at the end of the call, whether putEMS. “It’s so prevalent in this firehall,” she says. ting out a fire or getting a patient out of a vehicle.

The fire service can demand a lot of time.

Given current dry conditions, Shelby encour“Being a volunteer, you can kind of gauge that on ages readers to be mindful of where campfires and your own,” she says. other fires are started.

She estimates that it takes up at least one

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Distributed weekly to Pincher Creek, Crowsnest Pass and surrounding communities

Don’t wait! Check the date

Replace smoke alarms every 10 years Did you know that smoke alarms expire? If you didn’t, you’re not alone.

“We tend to underestimate the remarkable job of a smoke alarm and the technology it uses,” says acting fire commissioner Spence Sample.

“Many people tell me they had no idea that smoke alarms need to be replaced every 10 years even if they are hard-wired.”

One of the perceived challenges can be finding out how old the alarms are.

“It’s actually quite simple,” he explains. “Each alarm will have a date of manufacture on the back.”

He recommends investing some time in your family’s safety by checking each alarm and writing down the date of manufacture.

Keep this information where you can easily find it each year or enter replacement dates into your calendar. This will help families keep track of when alarms need replacement.

“Smoke alarms are one of your family’s best safety tools. Make sure they are going to work when you need them most.”

While smoke alarms have been encouraged for decades, Fire Prevention Week provides an opportunity to re-educate people about their importance, new features and new options for installation and maintenance: — Test smoke alarms at least once a month using the test button, and make sure everyone in your home knows their sound.

— If an alarm “chirps,” warning the battery is low, replace the battery right away.

— Replace all smoke alarms, including alarms that use 10-year batteries and hard-wired alarms, when they’re 10 years old, or sooner if they do not respond properly when tested.

— Never remove or disable a smoke alarm.

Message from the acting fire commissioner Oct. 9 marked the beginning of another Fire Prevention Week. The theme this year features smoke alarms and the importance of replacing aged, out-of-date smoke alarms.

Why focus on smoke alarms three years in a row? Quite simply, because smoke alarms are your best tool for safety in your home, but they are taken for granted.

Research shows us that a properly installed and working smoke alarm can cut the chances of dying in a fire in half. Yet we know that too many homes in Alberta do not have this life-saving device and in too many homes they have been disabled.

In as little as three minutes, a fire can become deadly to the occupants due

to toxic smoke from burning synthetic materials present in drapes, carpeting and furniture. Fires don’t happen like in the movies. They are fast and dangerous and we need every possible second to evacuate. Smoke alarms are a key part this quick evacuation.

So we will continue to remind all Albertans about the tragedies and loss fires can cause. And as always, we will take this opportunity to remind Albertans about the ways they can prevent fires and protect themselves and their families.

Yours in fire safety, Spence Sample Acting Fire Commissioner Alberta Municipal Affairs

Having a home safety plan and sharing it with your family is the best way to stay safe in emergency situations MAKE A PLAN INCLUDING: Choosing meeting points in and outside of your home in case of emergency Assembling a disaster supply kit with essentials Determining escape routes from your house and yard Testing the function of your smoke detectors and replacing if required

Distributed weekly to Pincher Creek, Crowsnest Pass and surrounding communities

don’t wait, check the date!

Replace smoke alarms every 10 years

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October 12, 2016

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Don’t Wait, Check the Date!

Thank you to the Pincher Creek EMS for your dedication to our community!

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October 12, 2016

Distributed weekly to Pincher Creek, Crowsnest Pass and surrounding communities

Cowley and Lundbreck firefighters promote fire prevention

By Brad Quarin Residents of the Lundbreck and Cowley area can sleep soundly in the knowledge that, should the unexpected happen in their small communities, their small-but-able teams of firefighters are on

guard.

The hamlet of Lundbreck is served by a volunteer brigade under Pincher Creek Emergency Services, while the village of Cowley is under the eye of the Cowley Volunteer Fire Department.

Both teams of volunteers deserve thanks during Fire Prevention Week — and year-round.

For Fire Prevention Week, Lundbreck brigade members are heading over to Livingstone School to give a presentation on fire safety, covering alarms and escape routes.

As in Pincher Creek, the Lundbreck brigade

focuses on kindergarteners, says brigade captain Anne Molnar.

Anne and Cowley firefighter Jannet Findlater recognize the importance of knowing if your smoke detector has expired.

Jannet notes that having a properly working detector contributes to a faster response time.

“Minutes are important,” she says. Quick response saves damage and makes people safer.

Anne urges residents to check the detector for its expiry date.

“It expires. It may or may not work,” she says.

That risk can translate into substantial danger.

In Cowley, residents who find their alarms have expired can contact the department via the village office to have firefighters inspect it.

If a Lundbreck resident finds the house alarm expired, the brigade can help install a new one, Anne says. Detectors are readily available from retailers with hardware departments and those whose specialize in fire-safety products.

Jannet describes the Cowley firefighters as a small department of eight volunteer members.

They meet for training every second Monday and

also serve as first responders as they are trained in first aid.

There is no typical day in their department.

Their equipment is often donated by the village, and fundraisers are held if they need more.

The Lundbreck brigade has eight members, all volunteers. It can be quiet in Lundbreck, although strong winds sometimes pose hazards.

Lundbreck firefighters also serve as first responders, offering ambulance services if needed.

As well, Deputy Chief Pat Neumann estimates that the Lundbreck firefighters are called three times per year on average to assist in Pincher Creek.

One tip Anne would like to share with readers is to clean chimneys, because creosote, a product of combustion, builds up and can be very flammable.

Pat describes it as a “black, gooey” substance.

“It burns like gasoline.”

He suggests finding a certified inspector to check chimneys.

There when you need them: installing and maintaining your smoke alarms Benjamin Franklin said it well: “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.”

His famous quote lends itself perfectly to the discussion of fire safety.

“It takes a small investment of time to set your home up with properly functioning smoke alarms,” says acting fire commissioner Spence Sample. “And that investment might just save the lives of your family.”

To ensure your family will be alerted to any smoke or fire danger, Alberta’s Office of the Fire Commissioner has four guidelines.

1. Install smoke alarms on every level of your home, including the basement.

2. Install smoke alarms inside bedrooms.

3. Smoke alarms should be mounted high on walls or on ceilings by following the manufacturer’s instructions.

4. Avoid installing smoke alarms near windows, doors or air ducts where drafts might interfere with their operation.

In larger or multi-story homes, the sound from a distant smoke alarm may be reduced to the point that it may not be loud enough to provide proper warning, especially for sleeping individuals.

In these homes, the Office of the Fire Commissioner highly recommends interconnection of smoke alarms. This means that when one smoke alarm sounds, they all do.

A licensed electrician can install hard-wired multiple-station alarms. Wireless alarms, which manufacturers have more recently begun producing, can be installed by the homeowner.

“Although the normal life span of a smoke alarm is 10 years, they are electronic devices,” says Sample. “They can become inactive as they age over time. That’s why regular testing is so important.”

He says Albertans should test their smoke alarms monthly. First, press the test button. The alarm should sound within a few seconds.

This will ensure the alarm is receiving power.

Next, test your alarms with smoke. (Never use an open flame to test the alarm, as you could burn yourself or start a fire).

“Monthly testing is essential to make sure smoke alarms are in working condition. This is the only way to know for sure.”

If your alarms are battery operated, replace the batteries at least once each year or when the low battery chirping sound is emitted by the alarm.

If the environment around the smoke alarm is dusty or if there are cobwebs, the openings in the smoke alarm can get clogged and this may prevent smoke from entering and triggering the alarm.

Vacuum the outside of the smoke alarms to remove any cobwebs and dust.

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October 12, 2016

Above are members of the Lundbreck Fire Brigade. From left are Captain Anne Molnar, Kristy Stevens, Duncan Gano, Sandra Gano and Captain Dawn Heershcap. Missing from photo are Kerry Smyke, Aaron Layton and Ken Olsen.

Photo courtesy of Lundbreck Fire Brigade

In right photo are Cowley Volunteer Fire Department members Paula Watson, left, Jannet Findlater and Paul Watson. Not pictured are Chief Jim Cisar, James MacKinnon, John MacKinnon, Jay MacKinnon and Terry Findlater.

Photo courtesy of Cowley Volunteer Fire Department

FIRE SAFETY KNOWLEDGE SAVES LIVES Appreciation goes out to all members of our fire departments.

Thank you for your invaluable service!

Boston Pizza thanks all our emergency services workers for their hard work and dedication

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October 12, 2016

Distributed weekly to Pincher Creek, Crowsnest Pass and surrounding communities

DON’T WAIT, CHECK THE DATE! Replace smoke alarms every 10 years

Pincher Creek Elks Lodge #474 Photo by Erin Fairhurst

Lorne Gault is just one of the many faces of our local emergency and protective services team, and says one of his favourite things about being a firefighter is “getting out and helping whenever I can.”

Thank you to our firefighters for their continued efforts to keep our communities safe

A passion to learn, a desire to serve

By Erin Fairhurst Eight years ago, Lorne Gault had recently relocated to Bellevue from Calgary when he was approached by Trent Fraser, the current acting chief of Crowsnest Pass Fire/Rescue.

“He asked me if I’d be interested in becoming a volunteer firefighter and I said absolutely,” Lorne recalls.

For Lorne, who started out in Station 23 in Bellevue, the appeal of being a community firefighter was the opportunity to learn something new, as well as the rewarding experience of being of service to his community.

“I wanted the challenge to be able to learn as much as possible,” he says. “The training opportunities that are available to us are just fantastic.”

“It’s just a great way to learn about a community, and to be involved and help out.”

Lorne is now the team lead of one of the FireSmart crews that are working throughout the community to remove fuel sources near

the urban interface.

“By removing the fuel, it gives us a better fighting chance of keeping the fire on the ground in the event of a start,” explains Lorne.

Crews have been working near Willow Drive in Coleman and Southmore in Blairmore, and will soon be tackling another project near Valley Ridge in Frank.

“The public has been very positive and the projects have been well received,” says Lorne. “I think people appreciate what we’re trying to do here.”

Lorne says that when he looks back on his tenure with Crowsnest Pass emergency services he’d absolutely do it all over again, and that he would recommend this rewarding and challenging experience to anyone on the fence about volunteering.

His advice to new recruits?

“Bring a positive attitude. Be ready, willing and eager to learn.”

Castle Ford thanks all those who volunteer their time to keep our community safe!

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Real Estate Centre thanks all who go above and beyond to keep our communities safe!

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October 12, 2016

Page 17

Photo by Brad Quarin

Members of Crowsnest Pass Fire/Rescue, from left, are Trevor Scott, Chief Trent Fraser, Nick Spatuk, Evan Stewart, Matt Peterson, Marc Ernst, Darren Lefort, Alexander Savrnoch, Mark McCracken, Pat Dillabough, Les Ohrn, Damian Dillabough, Brendan Busato, Curtis Stevens, Marc Ostrensky, Roy Humphries, Daniel Cote, Michael Taje, Dean Civitarese and Mark Calvert.

Not pictured are Jerry Newman, George Mahieux, Cliff White, Lorne Gault, James MacKenzie, Marty Schmidt, Daryl Ferguson, Claus Burchert, Zane O’Neill, Josh Arnaly, Braden Cann, Mark Cnossen, Travis Ockey, Dawson Morency, Darryl Johnson, Art Hoogstraten, Shane Hopkins, Corey Davis, Ashley Lema, Meagan Muff, Marc Ostrensky, Dave Whitten, Kyle Wilkinson, Greg Williams-Freeman, Kent Fehr, David Oczkowski and Bill Berscht.

Fire Prevention Week activities in Crowsnest Pass

By Erin Fairhurst Members of the Crowsnest Pass Fire/Rescue team are always willing to go above and beyond for their community, but this week they’re doing something extra-special in honour of Fire Prevention Week.

“We’ve got a lot planned. There’ll be something different at every hall throughout the

Thank you to our firefighters!

403-562-8345 Crowsnest Mall, Blairmore

week, and everyone is welcome,” says Deputy Chief Mark Calvert.

This Tuesday, residents are invited to a barbecue and what the firefighters are dubbing a “dog and pony show” at the Hillcrest firehall.

“What that means is that we’ll have trucks and apparatus out and people are welcome to ask questions, and look at the different vehi-

cles,” Mark explains.

The event will take place from 6 to 8 p.m.

On Wednesday, the Blairmore firehall will host a rescue tech showcase and barbecue, during which members of Crowsnest Pass Fire/ Rescue will display gear used for different See CNP ACTIVITIES, continued on page 19

The staff at Headlines Unisex Hair Design would like to thank our local firefighters for their dedication 403-562-8092 13147 20 Avenue Blairmore

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October 12, 2016

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Thank you for going above and beyond to keep our community safe

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Thank You Firefighters!

We would like to thank all the firefighters and first responders, both volunteer and full time, men and women, who give such a vital service to this area.

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Eden’s Funeral Home and Cremation Services is pleased to be part of a FireSafe community.

Thank you to all of our emergency services workers and firefighters!

From our team to yours, thank you for keeping our community safe!

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CNP ACTIVITIES, continued from page 17

rescue scenarios, such as backcountry, swift water and rope rescue.

This event will also take place from 6 to 8 p.m.

On Thursday, the Bellevue firehall will host a special motor vehicle collision demo, in which a vehicle brought in by South Country Towing will be used to demonstrate what happens during a vehicle extrication process.

“We’ll pull off doors and show what we do when we deal with MVC scenarios,” Mark says. As with the other events, the evening will go from 6 to 8 p.m and will include a barbecue.

Finally, on Friday, the week will wind down with a pancake breakfast held at the Blairmore firehall from 8 to 10 a.m.

In addition to the busy week of events throughout the community, fire drills will also take place at all Crowsnest Pass schools along with special presentations for the students.

The theme of the week is Don’t Wait, Check the Date and refers to the importance of replacing aging and out-of-date fire alarms and smoke detectors, but Mark says he and the rest of the Crowsnest Pass Fire/Rescue members will do their best to answer all questions about fire safety and prevention.

“We’re always here to answer questions, or to help,” says Mark, stressing that all of the halls have an “open door” policy in place for the community’s needs.

For more information on Fire Prevention Week, don’t hesitate to call the hall at 403-562-8600.

October 12, 2016

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Beaver Mines brigade emphasizes importance of smoke and carbon monoxide detectors

By Brad Quarin The hamlet of Beaver Mines can take pride in having a dedicated fire brigade serving the community.

The core team of eight firefighters are all volunteers and they commit a fair amount of time and effort to something important.

“We carry our radios around during the day and night,” says brigade captain Allen Tapay.

Members are on call 24 hours every day of the week, as there are no rotating shifts. The brigade attempts to get as many members as possible to respond to each call.

The Beaver Mines hall responds to an average of 40 to 60 calls each year, including ambulance calls.

The group serve as first responders to Castle Mountain and are often called to quad accidents, heart attacks, diabetic comas and other medical emergencies.

Additionally, the brigade volunteers to stand by with EMTs in Pincher Creek for sporting events such as rodeos and basketball tournaments.

This being Fire Prevention Week, their contributions to fire safety deserve special attention.

The focus of this year’s Fire Prevention Week in Canada is smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and knowing the expiration dates on these alarms.

Like his colleagues in neighbouring communities, Allen stresses how important this is. “Those smoke alarms save more lives than anything else,” he says.

As well, the quickness of the response to alarms is precious. “It saves people and buildings.”

Allen also highlights the importance of carbon monoxide detectors. Carbon monoxide poisoning is a fast killer, and a person can fall victim to it while sleeping.

If your alarms are expired, they should be replaced. “You can find them at any good hardware store,” he says.

People who are replacing their alarms should consider taking this opportunity to upgrade to an alarm that can detect both smoke and carbon monoxide.

Allen also has a fire prevention tip: If you’re starting a campfire or burning brush, make sure you have a permit.

Remember to make absolutely sure your fire is totally extinguished. Often, an accident occurs when a small fire gets out of control.

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October 12, 2016

Photo by Jolaine Kelly

At your service in Beaver Mines

In this 2015 photo, members of the Beaver Mines Fire Brigade are Allen Tapay, left, Kevin Kelly, Greg Hession and son Sherwin, Tom Judd and Steven Oczkowski. Missing is Hawkin Everts.

Thank you to the brave men and women of our community fire departments and emergency services!

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CHECK SMOKE DETECTORS REGULARLY HAVE A PLAN

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October 12, 2016

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October 12, 2016

Distributed weekly to Pincher Creek, Crowsnest Pass and surrounding communities

Keep your cool when the alarm sounds Have two ways out Imagine waking up to hear your smoke alarm beeping. You are groggy, confused and scared. This is a time when many people panic and end up making serious — sometimes fatal — mistakes.

In fact, according to research from Alberta’s Office of the Fire Commissioner, how a person reacts in a fire can be the difference between life and death. Approximately 20 per cent of people who died in a home fire in a 10-year period in Alberta did not act when the smoke alarm activated.

Make sure that everyone in your home knows exactly what to do when the alarm sounds or there is smoke or fire. A good escape plan that your family has practiced will help all to deal with a scary situation in a calm and safe manner.

— Get out quickly if there is a fire because fire moves extremely fast. You may have only three minutes or less before the toxic smoke overtakes you (visit www.3minutedrill.alberta.ca).

— Teach children to never hide in closets or under beds.

— Choose two ways out of every room. If heat or smoke blocks the usual fire exit (door), then use the sec-

ond way out (another door or a window).

— Test doors before opening them: Feel the door and look for smoke coming in around the edges. If the door is not hot and there is no smoke coming in, open it slowly, but be prepared to slam it shut if heat or smoke rush in. If the door is hot, use your other exit.

— If you must escape through smoke, get low and go under the smoke to the nearest exit. Smoke will rise to the ceiling, leaving cooler, cleaner air close to the floor.

— Parents should take into account the limitations of young children, the elderly or the disabled when planning a fire escape.

— If you live in an apartment building and the smoke alarm goes off, use the stairs only. Never use an elevator.

— Choose a family meeting spot, a safe distance away from the home.

It can be as simple as meeting under a neighbour’s tree.

— Practise, practise, practise. If your family has rehearsed various emergencies regularly, you will all know exactly what to do if the real thing occurs.

When you are making your escape plan, do not assume young children will be woken by a smoke alarm.

According to recent research, children younger than nine years old experience the deepest sleep of all groups studied.

If you have young children at home, it is best to practise your home fire escape drill during sleeping hours. It is an adult’s responsibility to awaken young children during a fire emergency and get them out safely.

In the blink of an eye, life as we know it can go up in smoke.

To the dedicated men and women who serve our communities as firefighters ...

THANK YOU!