Fire Prevention Week

Press Release

The Nunavut Fire Marshal’s Office would like to remind Nunavummiut of the following home safety tips in association with this year’s Fire Prevention Week.

This year’s campaign, titled “Cooking safety starts with YOU. Pay attention to fire prevention.”, highlights the significant role of cooking-related incidents as the primary cause of home fires and injuries. Among these occurrences, unattended cooking stands out as the leading factor contributing to cooking fires and associated fatalities.

Simple steps to take are as easy as follows:

Watch what you heat: Always maintain a close watch on your cooking activities and consider setting a timer to help you stay aware while cooking.
Turn pot handles toward the back: Ensure pot handles are turned away from the front of the stove. Keep a lid nearby and in case of a small grease fire, cover the pan and promptly turn off the burner.
Create a “kid- and pet-free zone”: Establish a clear zone of at least 3 feet (1 meter) around stoves, grills, and any areas where hot food or drinks are prepared or carried.

It’s important for Nunavut businesses to consistently maintain their kitchen fire suppression systems, keeping them clear of grease and debris to guarantee their effective functioning in case of a fire. Additionally, regular fire drill practices should be conducted throughout the year to make sure that all occupants and employees are fully familiar with fire response procedures.

The Nunavut Fire Marshal’s office would also like to remind Nunavummiut to regularly test their smoke and carbon monoxide detectors during the year to ensure they are operating properly. These detectors play a critical role in providing early warnings in the event of a fire at home or in a business.

For more fire safety information and resources please refer to our Fire Safety Fact Sheet and Fire Safety Poster on the Government of Nunavut Safety Services webpage.

If you have any questions regarding fire safety in your communities, contact your local fire department for assistance.

###

Media Contact:

Heather Grant
Communications
Department of Community and Government Services
867-975-5465
hgrant@gov.nu.ca

IHT4

NationTalk Partners & Sponsors Learn More