Two escape routes are better than one
The theme this year’s Fire Safety Awareness Week is ‘Have Two Ways Out’, especially at home.“The reality is that when fire strikes, your home could be engulfed in flames in just a few minutes. It is vitally important to have a home fire escape plan that prepares your family to think fast and get out quickly when the smoke alarm sounds,” said Chief Fire Officer Vincent Hollinsid at the start of the awareness week at Hamilton Fire Station.“This year’s theme focuses on the importance of fire escape planning and practice. During this week of activities, it is our intention to raise the awareness of fire escape planning in an effort to have both the home and the workplace equally equipped for safe evacuation.”A host of young nursery school students joined distinguished guests and senior fire officers for the opening to hear the official proclamation by National Security Minister Wayne Perinchief.He noted that firefighters form the front line for most of Bermuda’s “first responses to casualties”. “This is an excellent profession which provides great opportunities for public service,” said Mr Perinchief.“As we go about our everyday lives we sometimes take many kinds of prevention for granted. Fire safety cannot be one of those things.“During this week the public will have the chance to receive fire extinguisher training and home fire safety advice from our experts. I encourage everyone to take the opportunity to examine their own homes and businesses for practical ways to improve fire safety.“Make sure that you have a clear plan in the event of a fire and as this year’s theme reminds us: Have two ways out!Events this week include full displays at Heritage Wharf in Dockyard from 10am to 2pm today, and at Penno’s Wharf in St George’s on Wednesday. There will also be fire extinguisher training at the Hamilton Fire Station on Friday at 7pm, for those interested in a practical session on how to use extinguishers.Bermuda Fire and Security Services is also included in the displays at the Hamilton Fire Station with owner Steven Caines who conducts various certification courses including CPR for care givers and helping professionals.
