Fire Prevention 2021

Page A8 Thursday, September 30, 2021

Salute to Firefighters — The Free Press

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This year, Fire Prevention Week takes place from October 3 to 9. The theme for this year’s event is Learn the Sounds of Fire Safety, which aims to better educate the public about the sounds smoke alarms make, what those sounds mean and how to respond to them.

Thank You Firefighters for your dedication and service.

Thank you

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our alarm telling Knowingyou? the difference can save you, your home, and Make your family! everyone sure Make your sure smoke and in the home understands the sounds of the smoke and carbon monoxide alarms and knows how to respond.

LARMS alarms meet the Learn the sounds of your smoke and carbon monoxideCO alarms by checking theneeds user guide or

nued set of three loudthe beeps—beep, beep, beep—means of everyone in your home, www.thefreepress.ca Salute to Firefighters — The Free Press Thursday, September 30, 2021 Page A9 search brand and model online. or fire. Get out, call 9-1-1, and stay out. including those with sensory “chirp” every 30 or 60 seconds means the battery is or physical disabilities.

What is your alarm telling you? must be changed.

Make sure your smoke and Some tips: ALARMS CO alarms meet the needs ke alarms mustSMOKE be replaced after 10 years. ✔ Install a bedside alertorinayour • A continued set of three loud beeps—beep, beep, beep—means ofa everyone home, Is there beep chirp coming out of your smoke or carbon monoxide g that continues after the battery has been replaced smoke or fire. Get out, call 9-1-1, and stay out. device that responds to including those with sensory alarm?

What does it all mean?

Knowing the dierence can save you, your the alarm is at the end of its life and the unit must be • A single “chirp” every 30 or 60 seconds means the battery is orthe physical disabilities. the sound of smoke home, and your family! Make sure everyone in the home understands d. low and must be changed. and the CO sounds alarms. of a smoke and carbon monoxide alarms and knows how SomeUse tips: of the • All smoke alarms must be replaced after 10 years.

MONOXIDE (CO) ALARMS low to frequency alarm can ✔ Install a bedside the alert sounds of your smoke and carbon monoxide • Chirping that continues after the battery has been replaced respond. Learn nuous set of four loud beeps—beep, beep, beep, device that responds to also wake a sleeping means the alarm is at the end of its life and the unit must be alarms by checking the user guide or search the brand and model online. the sound of the smoke means carbon monoxide is present in your home. person with mild to replaced. and CO alarms. Use of a ide, call 9-1-1 and stay out. severe hearing loss.

CARBON MONOXIDE (CO) ALARMS low frequency alarm can chirp every 30 or 60 seconds means the battery ✔ Sleep withCARBON youralso mobility What alarm you?is low beep, beep, MONOXIDE (CO) ALARMS •isA your continuous set oftelling four loud beeps—beep, wake a sleeping Make sure your smoke and CO st be replaced. beep—means carbon monoxide is present in your home. device, glasses, and • A continuous set of four loud beeps—beep, beep, beep, person with mild to alarms meet the needs of ms also have “endGo of life” sounds thatand vary SMOKE ALARMS phone closebeep—means to your bed. outside, call 9-1-1 stayby out. severe hearing loss. monoxide is present in your home. Go carbon everyone in your home, including • Ait’s single chirp or 60 battery is low cturer. This time to get a30 new COseconds alarm. means the • Ameans continued set ofevery three loud beeps—beep, beep, beep— ✔ Sleep with your mobility ✔ Keep pathways like call 9-1-1 and stay out. outside, and must be replaced. device, glasses, and those with sensory or physical g that continues after the battery has been replaced means means smoke or fire. Get out, call 9-1-1, and stay out. hallways lit • Awith single chirp every 30 or 60 seconds means the battery is • CO alarms also have “end of life” sounds that vary by phone close to your bed. m is at the of its“chirp” life andevery 30 or 60 seconds means the battery disabilities. night lights andand free • Aend single is low be like replaced. manufacturer. This means it’s time to get a new CO alarm. ✔ Keep must pathways must be replaced.

Some tips: from clutter to make low and must be changed. alarmslitalso • Chirping that continues after the battery has been replaced means • CO hallways with have “end of life” sounds that vary by ✔ Install a bedside alert device sure everyone can • All smoke be of replaced after 10 years. thealarms alarm is must at the end its life and manufacturer.

Thisfree means it’s time to get a new CO alarm. night lights and get out safely. that responds to the sound of unit continues must be replaced.

• Chirpingthethat after the battery has been replaced from clutter to make • Chirping that continues after the battery has been replaced surethe everyone can the smoke and CO alarms. Use means the alarm is at the end of its life and the unit must be means alarm is at the end of its life and the unit must be get out safely. of a low frequency alarm can replaced. replaced. also wake a sleeping person with mild to severe hearing loss. ✔ Sleep with your mobility device, glasses, and phone close to your bed.

RE FIRE EVENTION ✔ Keep pathways like hallways lit PREVENTION EK™ with night lights and free from WEEK™ clutter to make sure everyone For fire safety tips, visit firepreventionweek.org and sparky.org For fire safety tips, visit firepreventionweek.org and sparky.org can get out safely.

Sparky® is a trademark of NFPA. ©2021 National Fire Protection Association® Sparky® is a trademark of NFPA. ©2021 National Fire Protection Association® ™

™

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Courage Under Fire We Salute Our Firefighters.

For the important role they play in protecting our lives and for their brave and selfless sacrifice.

A special thank you for your dedication and hard work.

We gratefully recognize your service to our community.

You are all heroes, and we thank you for all that you do.

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We salute the firefighters of the Elk Valley and South Country!

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Thank you to the dedicated men and women of our local and volunteer fire departments.

From the staff and employees flameguard@telus.net Cell: 250-423-1484 A special thanks to all firefighters for their hard work fighting wildfires this summer!

Page A10 Thursday, September 30, 2021

Salute to Firefighters — The Free Press

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FERNIE FIRE DEPARTMENT Fernie Fire Rescue Team

Back Row L to R: Tyson Schmidt; Luc Coultry; Marlaina Meinzinger; Nicolette Meschishnick; Gregory Ahearn; Zakary Jantz.

Middle Row L to R: Training Officer Troy Machlachlan; Dustin St. Jean; Lieutenant Bruce Nelson; Nathan Hickerson; Travis Leeden; Scott Robinson; Team Lead Mike Bragg; Team Lead Zane Neal.

Front Row L to R: FF Brad Filgat; Assistant Chief Brendan Morgan; Chief Ted Ruiter.

Missing: Fire Prevention Officer Brett Uphill; Career FF’s Trevor Fairweather; Cory Robinson; Sean Gigliotti; Auxiliary FF’s Colton Jones; Jordan Korn; Steven Marlborough; Sanjeev Parmar; Brett Robertson; Justin Surine; Alan Weir.

HOSMER FIRE DEPARTMENT

Hosmer Volunteer Fire Department L-R: Capt Shelley Vaness; BC Ben Goertzen; FF Peter Goettlicher; Lt Bryan Matthews; DC Mike Hockley; New Recruit Nate Edwards.

Missing: Richard Reedyk; Tania Wallman; Jeremy Nordstrom; Humberto Alvarado; Henry Barrett.

SPARWOOD FIRE DEPARTMENT Sparwood Fire Rescue Team

Back Row L-R: FF. Miranda Dolfo; Safety Officer Daniel Piderman; FF. Tony Bell; FF. Tim Schindel; FF. Keyten Kunst; FF. Daniel Flegel; FF. Nicole Thurman.

3rd Row L-R: FF. Al Laidlaw; FF. James Bosma; FF. Dayton Obre; FF. Brett Engel; Safety Officer Willy Mortimer.

2nd Row L-R: Capt. Sheldon Tennant; Capt. Preston Engel; Capt. Ken Syrja; Capt. Mike Harrington; Training Capt. Dwayne Matatall.

Front Row L-R: Assistant Chief Karl Ehrler; Fire Chief Dean Spry; Deputy Chief Kris Hill.

Missing: Capt. Scott Holberton; Lt. Duane Nelson; Lt. Darrick Lawson; Lt. Pete Race; FF. Andrew Schmitz; FF. Alex Isaacs; FF. Harley Marshall; FF. Kyle Bodie; FF. Julie Winter; FF. Jared Willett; FF. Logan Niehaus.

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Thursday, September 30, 2021 Page A11

JAFFRAY/BAYNES LAKE FIRE DEPARTMENT

Jaffray/Baynes Lake Fire Rescue Team L-R: Dave Boreen; Luc Tierens; Ron Ek; Willy Rayman; Jim Cosens; Marie Cosens; Bonnie Kari; Sandy Helfrich; Peter McDougall.

Missing: Rachael Engelhardt; Sheena Haydon; Steve Ebbern; David Sutherland; JP Braaten; Colton Reay; Terry Montgomery; Cindy Lightburn; Dennis Lightburn; Austin Sheridan; Dawson Atwood; Laurent Leonetti; Aaron Wolff; Mike Keehn; Lainee Gleeson.

ELKO FIRE DEPARTMENT

Elko Fire Rescue Team

L-R: Corlyn Haarstad; Kaitlyn Haarstad; Alias La Chance; Dean Haarstad; Cliff Mare; Michael Hockley; Fred Frehner; Daniel Reay.

Missing: Angela Fregin; Dale Hark; Leonard Holmgren; Julie Holmgren; Joe McPhee; Alyssa Shaw; Ilona Webster; Shayne Webster; Shannon Drew; Daigen Wilson.

ELKFORD FIRE DEPARTMENT

Elkford Fire Rescue Team

1 Curtis Nyuli; 2 Bruce White; 3 Louis Bourgeois; 4 Elov Simmons; 6 Harvey Macpherson; 7 Patrick Milan; 9 Jason Kaiser; 10 Derik Finlay; 14 Neil Hawthorne; 15 Kyle Cook; 16 Keely Paton; 17 Shaun Kennedy; 18 Lydon Simmons; 20 George Mcghee; 21 David Olsen; 22 Mark Willis; 23 Misty Shinners; 25 Braydon Snyder; 28 Chris Olsen; 31 James Mills; 33 Travis Dugal; 34 Curtis Reker.

Team Photo Unavailable at Press Time

Page A12 Thursday, September 30, 2021

Salute to Firefighters — The Free Press

www.thefreepress.ca

Frequently Asked Questions:

About smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) alarms What’s the difference between smoke alarms and carbon monoxide (CO) alarms? Why do I need both?

Smoke alarms sense smoke well before you can, alerting you to danger. In the event of fire, you may have as little as 2 minutes to escape safely, which is why smoke alarms need to be in every bedroom, outside of the sleeping areas (like a hallway), and on each level (including the basement). Do not put smoke alarms in your kitchen or bathrooms.

Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless gas that displaces oxygen in your body and brain and can render you unconscious before you even realize something is happening to you. Without vital oxygen, you are at risk of death from carbon monoxide poisoning in a short time. CO alarms detect the presence of carbon monoxide and alert you so you can get out, call 9-1-1, and let the professionals check your home.

How do I know which smoke and CO alarm to choose for my home?

Choose an alarm that is listed with a testing laboratory, meaning it has met certain

standards for protection. Whether you select a unit that requires yearly changing of batteries, or a 10-year unit that you change out at the end of the 10 years, either will provide protection.

CO alarms also have a battery backup. Choose one that is listed with a testing laboratory. For the best protection, use combination smoke and carbon monoxide alarms that are interconnected throughout the home. These can be installed by a qualified electrician, so that when one sounds, they all sound. This ensures you can hear the alarm no matter where in your home the alarm originates.

Courtesy of nfpa.org

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Get involved with the department in your area!

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Salute to Firefighters — The Free Press

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Sparky the Fire Dog turns 70 Did you know that Sparky the Fire Dog has been the official mascot of the National Fire Protection Association for the last 70 years?

In honour of this milestone birthday, here are seven important lessons about fire safety for kids that Sparky has taught during his many years of service.

1. Smoke alarms save lives. Since this beeping device lets you know if there’s a fire, every home needs working smoke alarms on every floor and near each bedroom.

2. Get outside, stay outside. If you hear a smoke alarm, you must immediately stop what you’re doing and find the safest and quickest way out of the house.

3. Practise fire drills at home.

Families should review where the exits are in each room and where the outside meeting place is at least twice a year.

4. Report an emergency. If you see a fire, hear a smoke alarm or

Thursday, September 30, 2021 Page A13

How to conduct a fire drill

know that someone is seriously hurt, call 911. Be sure to tell them what and where the emergency is.

5. Stay away from hot things.

This can include bath water, a stove, soup, matches, a fireplace and lighters. If you’re not sure if something is hot, check with a grown-up.

6. Follow the one-metre rule.

There should be a kid-free zone around stoves, space heaters and other hot devices. Anything that can burn should also be kept one metre away.

7. Know when to stop, drop and roll. If your clothes catch fire, stop, drop to the ground (remember to cover your face with your hands) and roll over until the flames are out.

To learn more about fire safety and test your knowledge with fun games and activities, visit sparky.org.

Fire drills offer an opportunity to review the actions you should take in the event of a fire. If you want to ensure your next fire drill is a success and that everyone is prepared for a real emergency, follow these steps.

PROVIDE CLEAR INSTRUCTIONS All occupants of a building need to know what they should and shouldn’t do if a fire breaks out. Make sure everyone knows where to go once they’ve evacuated the building. Remember that assembly points must be a safe distance from the building and not obstruct access for emergency vehicles.

DELEGATE RESPONSIBILITIES Particularly in a workplace, one person should be in charge of leading everyone safely out of the building, and another person should be assigned to ensure rooms are empty and doors are closed. Make sure both of these people are well aware of their roles and that everyone knows to take fire drills seriously.

DEVISE AN EMERGENCY SCENARIO Decide on a time and scenario for your drill.

In a house, the fire might start in the kitchen, for example, which means that room must be avoided during the

evacuation. You can further complicate things by simulating that someone is missing or an exit is blocked. If necessary, inform your security service provider about the drill in advance.

REFLECT ON THE EXPERIENCE Time the evacuation to determine whether it was completed quickly enough (aim for less than three minutes). After the drill, consult each participant to identify changes that could be adopted to maximize everyone’s safety. If any adjustments are made to the procedure, be sure to clearly communicate them to everyone.

Finally, remember that a successful evacuation starts with a functional fire safety system that meets current standards.

During your drill, take the opportunity to test your equipment.

When in doubt, there’s two ways out!

Everyone in the family should be made aware of the fire escapes or exit of the building in case of a fire.

SMOKE ALARM

SAMPLE ESCAPE PLAN BATHROOM

KITCHEN

BATHROOM

STAIRS

MASTER BEDROOM

EXIT

CLOSET

EXIT

DOOR

EXIT

EXIT EXIT

EXIT

EXIT

LANDING

BATHROOM

During Fire Prevention Week we are given the opportunity to tell all of our firefighters just how much they are appreciated and to thank them for all they do to keep our community safe.

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BEDROOM 2

BEDROOM 3

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We extend a heartfelt thanks to all of our skilled and qualified firefighters for their dedication, commitment to fire rescue, training, fire safety and education, and pay tribute to them during Fire Prevention Week.