Every year Powell River Professional Firefighters donate their time to present the Fire Safety House program to School District 47 grade three students. The house is a scaled down model of a two-storey, two-bedroom home equipped with smoke detectors, strobe lights and a smoke machine. Students are taught to be responsible for their own safety by practicing escaping a home in a simulated house fire environment.
The house was built in 2000 with the support of many local businesses and residents. This year Nelson Roofing and Sheet Metal Ltd. donated a new roof and the Lions Club made a donation toward much-needed repairs and upgrades.
“Fires spread rapidly,” said Tricia Greenwood, Powell River Fire Rescue coordinator/public educator. “We encourage parents to create an escape plan and practice it with their children.”
A basic plan includes identifying two exits from every room, having working smoke alarms, establishing a meeting place in front of the home and knowing your address and local emergency number. “Once you have a plan, practice it,” said Greenwood.