The week of Oct. 7-13 is Fire Prevention Week for communities throughout Canada and the U.S. Here in Wilmot, the Fire Department has organized plenty of ways for everyone to “Look — Listen — Learn” about how to prevent fires before they start.
“Look — Listen — Learn” is the theme for this year’s Fire Prevention Week, and focuses on those three themes to encourage people to take action. From “Looking” for potential hazards around your home, to “Listening” for smoke alarms, to “Learning” two escape routes from your house, the message is to be aware and be prepared.
“Learning” is perhaps the most fundamental aspect of the week, and to encourage fire education, the Wilmot Fire Department is running a contest for children as well as two events for people of all ages.
The contest invites kids under the age of twelve to name a friendly cartoon firefighter. All entries will be judged by the Ontario Association of Fire Chiefs, and the winning participant will receive a fire safety gift pack and $500, as well as a special prize through the Wilmot Fire Department. Contest forms (which children are also asked to colour) will be available at the Fire Prevention Week Open House. A limited number of 50 forms will be available.
The open house on Oct. 9 runs from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at the New Hamburg Fire Station on Huron Street, and offers many activities: an inflatable obstacle course, popcorn, touring the fire safety house, and a fire extinguisher demonstration.
Attendees will also have the chance to “target shoot” with a fire hose. And of course, all are invited to see the Wilmot fire trucks and equipment up close as well as meet your firefighters.
The week wraps up at the event “Coffee with a Firefighter”, which takes place on Oct. 12 from 10-12 p.m. at the New Hamburg McDonald’s. Drop in for a free small, hot-brewed coffee, and sit down for a chat with members of the Wilmot Fire Department.
There’s nothing more important than family safety, especially in the home. Fire Prevention Week helps teach everyone the simple actions everyone take to help prevent fires. The Wilmot Fire Department hopes to see many residents at the week’s events, and remember: “Be aware — fire can happen anywhere.”
Link to original article in New Hamburg Independent: Fire Prevention Week comes back to Wilmot