Serious about fire prevention
Published Friday October 3rd, 2008
Moncton's Fire Prevention crew is hoping people will take their message to heart this year
The Moncton Fire Department's theme for Fire Prevention Week this year is 'Test Your Smoke Alarm-Your Life Depends On It'.
It's a sobering theme, but one which Division Chief of Fire Prevention Jim Banks is fervent about.
"The flames of a fire almost never reach you until after the smoke has lulled and killed you," he warns. "Working smoke alarms save lives."
Jim has been on the Moncton Fire Department for 34 years, and in prevention and arson investigation for 20.
He and his three-person team work year round inspecting buildings and facilities in Moncton, and set up an open house each fall during Fire Prevention Week.
The St. George Park Fire Station is host to the department's kick-off of Fire Prevention Week on Oct. 4. Activities and displays will be set up between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.
"There's a junior firefighting challenge set up for kids, out in the back where our training tower is," explains Jim. "They get to simulate what they would be doing if they were a firefighter fighting a fire."
Colouring books, pencils and erasers will be handed out to children, and there's lots to see, as well.
If you've ever fancied a close-up look at a fire truck, this is your chance. They'll be on display, with aerial ladders extended on the vehicles which have them.
Possibly the most impressive and popular exhibition of the day is the auto extraction demonstrations, scheduled to take place at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.
"We'll use the jaws of life to take out the windshield, peel the roof of the car back, and take the doors off," says Jim. "We have airbags to jack the cars up with."
Inside the station, meanwhile, several groups and agencies will have tables with information pamphlets and people to answer questions.
Westmorland-Albert Solid Waste will be on hand, as will the ambulance service, Red Cross, and NB Power, to name but a few.
You can also grab a bite to eat any time during the open house. A barbecue with all the proceeds going to a charity selected by the department, will be making food all day.
"It's a great day," says Jim. "Kids want to come, so adults bring them, and they all end up learning something."
When Jim and his crew aren't holding the Fire Prevention Week open house, they're busy all year with, among other things, property inspections. Apartment buildings, warehouses, schools, hospitals, churches, daycares, special care homes, restaurants, theatres, clubs, hotels, and student residences all have to be inspected to be sure that fire codes are met.
"We can't do every place every year," Jim explains, "but there are some that we make sure get done annually. Special care homes, schools, group homes, daycares, and colleges are done every year."
And no new bar or restaurant opens in town without being inspected by Jim's department. Do they do private residences as well?
"If you have a concern about your home, we'll come and check basic fire safety items," replies Jim.
The average homeowner, though, should be following basic fire prevention practices on their own. Jim reminds us that with the end of the barbecue season it's time to store that propane tank safely, in an outbuilding that is not attached to your house. The tank should have a safety valve.
"The end of barbecue-ing comes with the beginning of the heating season," continues Jim. "If you have a wood stove, make sure the chimney is clean. Make sure the stove pipe and connectors are screwed tight together and in good shape. Burn dry, seasoned wood.
"If you have a person come to do work on your wood stove or chimney, make sure he's WETT (Wood Energy Technical Training) certified.
"If you do the work yourself, only use products that are marked as being approved for use in Canada, and follow the specifications the item comes with.
"Also, be sure to tell your insurance company if you're installing a wood stove. If you don't, and there is a fire, you won't be covered."
What is the most important thing you can do for fire prevention in your home?
"Smoke alarms are your first line of defence," Jim cautions. "Don't leave them in a drawer."
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