Fire Education

Aimed at adult audiences, these fire safety presentations cover fire-safe practices in the home and/or workplace. Examples of adult audiences would include:

• church groups
• seniors groups
• condominiums
• workplace
• homecare providers
• prenatal classes

Learn Not to Burn programs are offered at no cost to children between the ages of 4-7 years.

Visit the teacher resource page or contact Public Education Officers Glenn Barwell at 905-845-6601, ext. 2022 or glenn.barwell@oakville.ca or Alicia Petz at ext. 5281 or alicia.petz@oakville.ca

Fire safety is taught using a specially designed presentation with short movies. Homework is assigned to involve children's families and caregivers. Topics covered include:

• What is fire safety?
• Smoke alarms
• Home fire escape planning
• How to call for help; 9-1-1
• How to prepare for an emergency
• Making positive choices when it comes to fire

Crews visit homes in Oakville neighbourhoods through the months of May to July, between 5 and 8 p.m.

If homeowners are not present, fire safety information is left in the mailbox.

Plan and practice fire drills your employees will want to participate in. Fire drills are just as important in the workplace as they are at home.

• Put together a safety committee of people from different departments
• Appoint team leaders responsible for counting employees
• Leave through designated fire exits
• Predetermine outside gathering spots that are a safe distance from the building
• Practice scheduled drills — aim to get your exit times down to less than 3 to 5 minutes

For more information on planning a fire drill in your workplace contact the Oakville Fire department's public education officer.

If your child (3-17 years old) is involved with fire play or fire setting, an education officer will visit your home to assist with education and to ensure your home is fire safe. This program may contain a mental health component. Topics covered will include:

• Consequences of fire setting for the individual and the community
• Legal consequences of fire setting
• How quickly fires develop and spread
• Smoke alarms
• Home escape planning
• Factors that influence choices we make and risk behaviours
• Think twice act once; making good decisions

Have you experienced a fire in your home or business? Firefighters will review what led to your fire and advise you on the steps you can take to avoid future emergencies.