YELLOWKNIFE (October 6, 2014) – NWT residents are being invited to check their homes to ensure adequate fire safety measures are in place by filling out a simple questionnaire during National Fire Prevention Week, October 5-11. Residents with children in grades 7 and under who participate by filling out a Home Fire Safety Checklist will be entered in a prize draw.

“Fire Prevention Week is a great time for everyone to consider how they are prepared for a fire,” said Minister of Municipal and Community Affairs Robert C. McLeod. “Ensuring your home is fire safe is an important way everyone can protect their loved ones and property.”

To recognize National Fire Prevention Week, residents are being asked to visit www.maca.gov.nt.ca or ask their local fire department for a Home Fire Safety Checklist. These checklists will help homeowners evaluate their current smoke detectors and find any areas where they need to improve their preparedness.

Residents with children in Grades 7 and under are encouraged to fill out the checklist as a family, which will help start an important discussion about fire safety in the home. Completed checklists will be entered to win one of five home fire safety prize kits that include a combo smoke/carbon monoxide alarm, a fire escape ladder, and an Apple iPad with instructions on using it as a tool to educate youth on fire safety in the home. One prize will be awarded in each region of the NWT.

Ensuring northerners are educated and equipped for emergency situations is an important part of creating sustainable, vibrant and safe communities as outlined in the 17th Assembly’s vision of Believing in People and Building on the Strengths of Northerners.

Media inquiries:

David Maguire
Communications and Website Advisor
Municipal and Community Affairs
Government of the Northwest Territories
Tel: (867) 920-3092
Email: david_maguire@gov.nt.ca