The students of Canora Junior Elementary School are learning how to keep themselves and others safe in emergencies with several activities in conjunction with Fire Safety Week.
The week, which is intended to raise awareness and educate the public on fire prevention, was held from October 9 to October 15, but Canora Junior Elementary School staff have already been hard at work preparing students on fire safety, said Rod Steciuk, school principal, who added that the students have taken part in two fire drills on September 23 and September 26 respectively.
“Since we have young students here, this is some students’ first exposure to a fire drill, and it can be a little scary for some kids,” Steciuk said.
Fortunately, the school has organized its escape plan well, and Steciuk said they can now get the school cleared out in just over a minute.
The Canora Volunteer Fire Department was said to be planning a surprise drill some time during the fire week in order to test what the students have learned.
“The surprise is something we welcome,” he said.
Students have also been provided with pamphlets from the Canora Volunteer Fire Department to teach students things like remembering to check fire alarm replacement dates, organizing a home fire escape plan, recognizing fire hazards, and understanding carbon monoxide alarms. The activity booklets are focused around the theme for this year’s Fire Safety Week chosen by Fire Prevention Canada, “Don’t Wait – Check the Date! Replace Smoke Alarms Every 10 Years.”
Steciuk said the school staff and students are excited to take part in the annual surprise drill.
