Photos: Fire Safety Awareness Week Launched

October 30, 2012

Minister of National Security Wayne Perinchief joined officials at the Hamilton Fire Station on Monday [Oct 29] to officially launch Fire Safety Awareness Week. This year Bermuda Fire and Rescue Service is recognizing its Fire Safety Awareness Week from Monday, October 29 to Friday, November 2, 2011. The theme this year is “Have two ways out!”.

Remarks given at Fire Safety Awareness Week Launch:

Every year, the Ministry of National Security, in conjunction with the National Fire Protection Association, sister Fire Departments across the United States and the United Kingdom participate in an initiative to educate the community on fire safety.

Minister Perinchief uses “Jaws Of Life”:

Children from the island’s schools toured the displays of fire equipment and were treated to fire personnel demonstrating equipment including showing the force of water used to fight fires. Minister Perinchief also joined in, demonstrating how an emergency tool can be used to free a trapped person. The Minister used the “Jaws of Life” to remove the roof of a car with the assistance of fire personnel.

Minister Perinchief’s full statement follows below:

Good morning everyone and thank you for being here to start this important week. Fire safety awareness can save lives. As we go about our everyday lives we sometimes take many kinds of prevention for granted. Fire safety cannot be one of those things.

During this week the public will have the chance to receive fire extinguisher training and home fire safety advice from our experts within the Bermuda Fire & Rescue Service. I encourage everyone to take the opportunity to examine their own homes and businesses for practical ways to improve fire safety. Make sure that you have a clear plan in the event of a fire and as this year’s theme reminds us: Have two ways out!

The Bermuda Fire & Rescue Service is a well trained group of men and women who are available to advise the public on fire safety awareness and who form the front line for most of our first responses to casualties. This is an excellent profession which provides great opportunities for public service.

This year’s Fire Safety Awareness Week will be fun, informative and invaluable for young and old alike. As you enjoy the displays and activities be sure to keep fire safety awareness top of mind. Fire safety awareness saves lives.

Thank you.

Click to enlarge photos: