Calgary Firefighters visit approximately 400 schools annually to assess the fire alarm system, identify deficiencies and provide recommendations to the staff as required. The drills also reinforce the importance of planning and rehearsing an escape plan not only at school, but at the children's homes. On November 5th, members of the Calgary Fire Department (CFD), along with representatives from the Calgary Board of Education and the Calgary Catholic School District, will be conducting a school fire drill at St. Augustine School. Firefighters from Station 11, along with newly-appointed Junior Fire Chief Rosie Luthi, will activate the fire alarm in the school, ensure that it works, evacuate children and staff safely and emphasize the importance of having a home escape plan in the event of an emergency.
"The event today is a wonderful opportunity to get firefighters into our schools to interact with our students, practice a fire drill and personally share important fire prevention and safety information. We look forward to continuing to work together to keep our kids and families safe" says Gary Strother, Chief Superintendent, Calgary Catholic School District.
A home escape plan contains the layout of your home, the escape routes that should be used, and where to meet when you have evacuated the building. Students aged 4-15 years can win an iPad, sponsored by Conoco Phillips, if they submit their home escape plans to the CFD.
"CFD is actively working with all the schools in Calgary to teach children about the importance of fire safety and having a home escape plan" says Chief Steve Dongworth. "Through the school fire drill program, we have the opportunity to test schools fire alarm systems and show children first-hand the importance of being prepared in case of an emergency."
To learn more about home escape plans, visit calgary.ca/escapeplan.
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