The Co-operators partners with public safety non-profit

The Co-operators is teaming up with CanOps, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), and fire departments all throughout Canada to celebrate 100 years of Fire Prevention Week.

“Fire safety education is important for everyone,” said Co-operators AVP of government relations Maya Milardovic. “Fire presents a real risk to all of us, making it important for every member of the community to take these messages seriously and put them into action, so that you can protect what matters most.”

This year will see the Fire Prevention Week organizers promote the campaign, “Fire Won’t Wait. Plan Your Escape,” which will run from October 09 to 15. The group aims to educate everyone about the simple but important steps they can take to keep themselves and those around them safe.

Both fire departments and local Co-operators advisors are encouraging all Canadian residents to support this year’s Fire Prevention Week campaign by creating and practising their own home fire escape plan. To this end, The Co-operators has donated 200 Fire Prevention Week kits to fire department across Canada; these kits have fire safety activities and information for both children and adults.

“Today’s homes burn faster than ever. In a typical home fire, you may have as little as two minutes (or even less time) to safely escape from the time the smoke alarm sounds.” Said NFPA Canada regional director Laura King. “Your ability to get out depends on early warning from working smoke alarms and advance planning.”

“We are very excited to partner with Co-operators and the NFPA® to have the opportunity to distribute fire safety education materials to fire departments across Canada,” added CanOps VP of enterprise business transformation Mieka Pittman. “The more education and awareness that Canadians have regarding how to keep themselves and their families safe in home fires, the more lives will be saved; therefore we encourage all Canadians to take time to develop their home escape plans.”

The Co-operators additionally announced that it is also providing a free resource on how to prevent fires at home on its website, and an mp4 format PSA on the importance of fire escape planning upon request.