OTTAWA, October 2, 2014- The Honourable Steven Blaney, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, made the following statement today, recognizing Fire Prevention Week.
“His Excellency, the Right Honourable David Johnston, Governor-General of Canada, has declared October 5 -11, 2014 as Fire Prevention Week. This year’s theme is “Working smoke alarms save lives – Test yours every month!”
All Canadians have a responsibility to keep their families and communities safe. It’s estimated that over 60 per cent of home fire deaths occur in households without working smoke alarms. Simple steps like ensuring your home’s smoke alarms are in good working order can help to minimize the devastating impacts of fires. I encourage all Canadians to test their smoke alarms every month.
On behalf of the Government of Canada, I commend the work that Fire Prevention Canada and other leaders in the fire services and fire safety community are undertaking to improve public awareness of fire prevention. I would also like to take the opportunity to thank firefighters and other first responders who put their lives on the line to protect their communities.
Emergency preparedness is critical to developing a safe and resilient Canada. All Canadians have a part to play in supporting community safety.
Follow @Get_Prepared throughout Fire Prevention Week for more information on how to prevent fires and keep your family safe.”
Follow Public Safety Canada (@Safety_Canada) on Twitter.
For more information, please visit the website www.publicsafety.gc.ca.
Information:
Jason Tamming
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness
613-991-2924
Media Relations
Public Safety Canada
613-991-0657
media@ps-sp.gc.ca