BeFireSafe Education Campaign Launch - Minister Valcourt and Aboriginal Firefighters' Association of Canada launch Campaign to Promote Fire Safety Awareness in Aboriginal Communities

OTTAWA, March 20, 2014 /CNW/ -  There is no better time than the present to ensure your home and family are prepared in the event of a fire. To raise awareness of potential fire hazards throughout the year, the Government of Canada and the Aboriginal Firefighters' Association of Canada are teaming up to launch the BeFireSafe education campaign.

The BeFireSafe national awareness campaign will feature a series of fire prevention and safety tips throughout the year that Canada and AFAC encourage people to follow.

Messages will be shared through radio features and various social media, and important tools and links will be available on the AANDC and AFAC websites.

BeFireSafe will focus on topics such as being cautious with open flame, barbeque and heater safety, careful use and storage of chemicals, the importance of having working smoke detectors and planning an escape route for your family. It underscores the important role everyone has in preventing fires both inside and outside the home.

The Aboriginal Firefighters' Association of Canada (AFAC) does extremely important work in the community and Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada (AANDC) is pleased to partner with AFAC which will lead this important initiative.

Quick Facts

• Protect your family and home by operating and maintaining heating equipment safely, installing and regularly testing smoke and CO2 alarms, and developing and practicing a home escape plan.
• Burning yard waste or open pit fires result in more than 25 per cent of all grass and brush fires.
• Heating equipment is involved in 1 in every 7 reported home fires and 1 in every 6 home fire deaths.
• Canada provides approximately $215,000 funding annually to the Aboriginal Firefighters' Association of Canada to increase awareness of fire prevention strategies.

Quotes

"We all have a role to play in preventing fires in our homes and communities which is why our Government is proud to be teaming up with the Aboriginal Firefighters' Association of Canada to raise awareness about the importance of fire safety and prevention throughout the year. Fire prevention can make a positive difference in reducing fire incidence and can even save lives."

Bernard Valcourt

Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development

"On behalf of the AFAC Board of Directors we are excited to participate in a project that enhances fire awareness across the country to First Nations communities. This fire prevention campaign augments the hard work done by regional First Nations organizations coast to coast and hopefully helps communities fight fires that never happen."

Blaine Wiggins

Executive Director, Aboriginal Firefighters' Association of Canada

Related Products

AANDC - Fire Prevention and Awareness
Audio News Release - Fire Safety Tips
BeFireSafe Infographic
First Nation Fire Protection Services: Frequently Asked Questions

Associated Links

Aboriginal Firefighters Association of Canada
National Fire Protection Association
Fire Prevention in Aboriginal Communities - CMHC Manual
Fire Prevention in Aboriginal Communities - CMHC DVD
Fire Prevention in Aboriginal Communities - CMHC Research Data
Health Canada - Smoke Detectors

SOURCE: Government of Canada

Erika Meekes
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development
819-997-0002

Media Relations
Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada
819-953-1160

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