Each year, the Parksville Fire Department recognizes Fire Prevention Week from October 4 to October 10. Due to the pandemic and because the fire hall remains closed to the public, we are not able to host our annual open house. Parksville Fire is supporting Fire Prevention Week 2020 a little different this year. This year's theme is "Serve up fire safety in the kitchen!" and to bring awareness to fire safety, here are some of the ways residents can get involved:
Photo contest - Parksville Fire is challenging parents and children who live in the Parksville Fire Prevention Area to send in a photo showing how you practice fire safety in the kitchen. One photo will be chosen at the end of the week to receive a prize pack that includes a smoke alarm, Parksville Fire water bottle and more. The winning photo will be shared to our social media and will not be used for commercial purposes. Submit your photo by email to fireprevention@parksville.ca and include your name and a few words about your photo. Deadline to submit your photo is 4 pm on Friday, October 9.
Fire safety info - stop by the Parksville fire station Monday to Friday (8 am to 4 pm) to pick up a child's fire safety package with activities, games, stickers (one per child please). Residents are also welcomed to stop by the fire station to receive an info package about general fire safety.
Social media - watch our social media feeds and share our posts; we will post fire safety tips each day of fire prevention week on our Facebook, Instagram and Twitter pages.
Did you know cooking is the number one cause of home fires and home fire injuries? Potential fire hazards in the kitchen are often overlooked because we use that space so often. By being vigilant and taking some simple precautions ahead of time, we can prevent most accidents from happening. Here are some simple ways to keep you and your family safe when preparing meals. Lots more fire safety info on our website.
- Be on alert! If you are tired don't use the stove or stovetop.
- Keep your cooking area clutter free.
- Stay in the kitchen while you are frying, grilling, boiling or broiling food.
- If you are simmering, baking or roasting food, check it regularly, remain in the kitchen while food is cooking, and use a timer as a reminder.
- Keep anything that can catch fire such as oven mitts, wooden utensils, food packaging, towels or curtains away from your stovetop.
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For more information:
Parksville Volunteer Fire Department
250 248-3242; fire@parksville.ca
