Pincourt families participated last year in the Great Escape fire drill. This year’s event will take place on Oct. 12. (Photo courtesy of the town of Pincourt.)
Registration underway for Great Escape drill
Can you and each member of your family get out of your home and meet in a designated area in three minutes or less? <ParaStyle:R> If not, the Pincourt Emergency and Fire Protection Department wants you to design and practice a fire escape plan. And the fire professionals will put the plan to the test for some during the department’s annual Fire Prevention Week, running from October 9 – 15.
The Great Escape
The Great Escape, taking place from 7 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. on Oct. 12, is a chance for residents to hold their own personal fire drill. Officials say creating and practicing a plan can make a lifesaving difference. This year’s event will target homes in District 3, located in front of the Omni-Centre between Cardinal-Léger Blvd. and de L’Île Blvd. Since they can’t visit every area in one night, organizers choose a section of town on which to focus each year. During the event firefighters will circulate throughout the district sounding an alarm to signal the start of the drill. Participants should time their escape, aiming for total evacuation of three minutes or less. Firefighters will be on hand to discuss the experience and evaluate evacuation plans. Residents living outside the targeted area can still participate and meet with firefighters by sending their name, address and phone number by email to: incendie@villepincourt.qc.ca, or by calling 514 453- 8981, ext. 335. The deadline to register is 12 p.m., on Oct. 11. Meanwhile, all residents are invited to the fire station Open House, taking place from 12 p.m. – 4 p.m, Oct. 15, at the station, 701 Cardinal-Léger Blvd. The event will give visitors the chance to see the fire fighting vehicles and equipment up close, and to learn more about fire procedures. Fire Prevention Week has been held in Canada since 1916. Ontario was the first province to host a day aimed at fire safety and prevention. The events are linked to the Great Chicago Fire, which took place on Oct. 9, 1871. More than 250 died in the massive blaze that burned out of control for more than 27 hours. When it was over in excess of 17,400 buildings had been destroyed and more than 100,000 people were left homeless.
Lire la nouvelle Pincourt fire prevention week looming sur le site web VIVA média.