Langley Township: Safety Stars to get red carpet treatment
Members of the community who have gone above and beyond the call of duty will be recognized as the stars they are during a week designed to help keep everyone safe.
Fire Prevention Week will be celebrated from Oct. 7 to 13 by the Township Fire Department, which is encouraging the public to take precautions that could potentially save lives and recognizing those who have taken that message to heart.
“This year’s Fire Prevention Week campaign is called ‘Have 2 Ways Out.’ It focuses on the importance of having a fire escape plan and practicing it with your family,” said public fire and life safety educator Krista Barton.
“Everyone should know two ways out of each room and know where to meet outside in case of an emergency,” Barton said. “Most importantly, everyone needs to understand that getting out is the first priority. And once you are outside, stay outside.”
Township firefighters will also be reminding residents that smoke alarms have the power to save lives — if they operate properly.
“If you haven’t tested your smoke alarm lately, it may not be working,” Barton warned. “That’s a risk you can’t afford to take.”
Working smoke alarms provide early warning of fires, giving people inside buildings extra time to escape safely. Each alarm must be tested every month to ensure the batteries are functioning.
Also during Fire Prevention Week, residents and business people who know how to keep themselves and others safe will be recognized for their efforts and dedication by being named Safety Stars.
On Thursday, Oct. 11, 15 Safety Stars who have excelled at promoting, teaching, and supporting fire and life safety in the community will be treated to a special day with the Township’s fire department. Stars will gather at the training ground and have the opportunity to go up in a ladder truck, put out a car fire, and ride in a fire truck. Safety Stars will be recognized in three categories. The Action award honours those who have prevented the loss of life or property either in a crisis or through preventative measures. Advocate Stars are noted for making a conscious effort to promote fire and life safety at home, work, or school, and Partners are acknowledged for their true sense of community, and for stepping up and partnering with the Department to help promote fire and life safety in the Township.
The winner of a Junior Fire Chief for a Day contest that ran in local elementary schools will also be participating in the Safety Star event.
Langley City: Prevent fires, maybe win a pizza
Have Two Ways Out: That is the theme for this year’s Fire Prevention Week running Oct. 7 to 13.
“This year’s campaign is all about keeping you, your family, and your community safer from fire,” said Capt. Dave Sanders, Langley City Fire Rescue Service’s fire prevention officer.
The department is hosting a number of activities for the public to enjoy while learning about fire safety:
• Thursday, Oct. 11: The fire hall will be open to the public for an open house, at 5785 – 203 St. from 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.
The public is invited to bring their families along to enjoy pizza and donuts, meet our firefighters and learn about fire safety and burn prevention.
There will be live fire and Jaws of Life demonstrations as well as hall tours and fire safety displays. Council members will take part in live fire demonstrations and to be hoisted aloft in the 100’ aerial tower platform.
There will be plenty of fire safety related prize draws throughout the evening.
• Friday, Oct. 12: Firefighters we will be conducting the pizza delivery ride-along program, in which Langley City Fire Rescue Service is partnering with Panago Pizza to deliver pizzas within the City. Orders placed between 6:30 p.m. and 9 p.m. for delivery will be entered into a draw to have the fire department attend when the pizza is delivered.
During the delivery, if the fire fighters find a working smoke alarm at the residence, the pizza will be free.
“If no working smoke alarm is found, the pizza order must be paid for, but with the residents’ permission, the firefighters will ensure the residence has a working smoke alarm before they leave, even if it involves providing one and installing it,” Sanders said.
City crews have even posted a rap video on YouTube, to help drive home their message
For more about Fire Prevention Week in the City of Langley, call 604-514-2883.