Parksville Volunteer Fire Department (PVFD) members will host their annual open house on Oct. 27 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Parksville Fire Hall, located at 160 Jensen Avenue West.
Residents are invited to learn about fire safety including home fire sprinklers, smoke alarms and home escape plans, according to a news release by PVFD.
There will be educational displays and activities where attendees will learn how to use a fire extinguisher, how to perform CPR, try hose and target practice, a bunker gear challenge for children and more.
Fire prevention week is recognized by the National Fire Protection Association from Oct. 6 to Oct.12.
This year’s fire prevention week theme is “Smoke alarms: Make them work for you!” and strives to educate on the importance of having working smoke alarms in the home.
Parksville Fire has some key safety tips for residents:
– Install smoke alarms in every bedroom, in hallways, and on every floor of the home;
– Test smoke alarms at least one a month by pushing the test button;
– Smoke alarms need to be replaced when they are 10 years old or don’t respond when tested;
– Make sure smoke alarms meet the needs of all family members, including those with sensory or physical disabilities.
“We encourage residents to embrace this year’s fire prevention week theme, 'Smoke alarms: Make them work for you!' All residents should have working smoke alarms in their homes," said Fire Chief Marc Norris.
"Smoke alarms provide early detection by alerting occupants to a fire in their homes, giving time to escape. Fires can grow quickly with toxic smoke; a properly installed and maintained smoke alarm provides the best chance of early detection and getting out. Our members look forward to our annual open house and the opportunity to meet the public.”
PVFD has begun planning for 2025 recruitment, seeking volunteer paid on-call firefighters.
For more information, stop by Parksville Fire Rescue, call 250-248-3242 or visit parksvillefirerescue.ca.
