Fire Prevention Week 2009 coming soon.
EMS awareness Week 2009 information soon.

Fast facts about fire in Alberta

• On average there are 5,800 fires reported to the Alberta Fire Commissioner each year.
• These fires result in an average of 33 deaths, 312 injuries and $300 million in direct property loss.
• Homes account for 28 % of all fires.
• Homes account for 63 % of all fire deaths and 60 % of all fire injuries.
• Most home fires start in the kitchen due to unattended cooking.
• Careless smoking is the number one cause of home fire deaths.
• Unattended cooking is the number one cause of home fire injuries.
• Seniors have the highest risk of dying in a home fire Alberta
• Smoke inhalation is the number one cause of death in home fires.
• Most fire deaths occur in people who are asleep at the time of fire.
• One in every five fires in Alberta in deliberately set.

Taking Action When the Alarm Sounds:
It sits there quietly or, occasionally, it might send out a chirping noise. Unfortunately, too many Albertans ignore it or see it as a nuisance. Butyour fire alarm is a critical part of keeping you and your family safe. And when the smoke alarm goes off, it is your signal to get out of your home quickly. Smoke alarms are designed to detect smoke very early. This gives you and yoru family precious seconds needed to escape from homes or buildings before the fire and smoke spread.

The sound of a smoke alarm alerts everyone that smoke or fire is nearby. Make sure that everyone in yor home knows what to do when the alarm sounds and there is smoke or fire.

• Get out quickly if there is a fire, because fire moves extremely fast.
  
• Teach children to never hide from smoke and fire in closets or under beds. It is not possible to hide from fire, but it is possible to escape. Young children, the elderly or disabled should alert parents of caregivers for help in escaping safely.
• Know two ways out of all rooms. If heat or smoke blocks the usual fire exit (door), then use the second way out (another door or window).
• Test doors before opening them.
  • Feel the door and look for smoke coming in around the edges.
  • If the door is not hot and there is no smoke coming in, open it slowly, but be prepared to slam it shut if heat or smoke rush in.
  • If the door is hot, use your other exit.
• If you must escape through smoke, get low and go under the smoke to the nearest exit. Smoke will rise to the ceiling, leaving cooler, cleaner air close to the floor.
• If you live in an apartment building and the smoke alarm goes off, only use the stairs. NEVER use an elevator.