After the Fire program aims to make Hatters feel safe
Medicine Hat firefighters were out in the South Ridge area Thursday knocking on doors as part of their “After the Fire” program, following a devastating fire which two weeks ago destroyed two homes in the neighbourhood and badly damaged a third.
“The After the Fire program is an opportunity for our fire service get out in the community and catch people at home who might have been affected by a fire in their neighbourhood,” explains fire chief Brian Stauth. “We know there is a heightened awareness in our community when a fire occurs, so we use that opportunity to go out and speak about fire safety in their homes. We make sure they are doing OK, and see if they’ve got any questions or concerns. We leave them some fire safety information, and we offer to do a home fire inspection for them if they want us to come back at a later date to do that.
“It’s really just an opportunity to touch base with community members,” he adds.
Stauth says most people his members talked to Thursday were doing fine, but there were a few who were glad to receive a visit.
“The vast majority of folks were just fine. We did run into a few folks who were still feeling some anxiety about the (South Ridge fire), and it was a great opportunity to talk about fire safety in their home. We’re happy to do it. We want to let people in the community know we are here for them.”
Stauth says overall, people in the city are getting the message about being fire smart and fire safe in their homes.
“I don’t think people often think about fire,” he admits. “But when it happens nearby, it certainly raises their awareness. I think most people in our community are serious about making sure their smoke detectors are working properly, and more and more people are developing a home fire escape plan with their family members. I don’t think people are taking fire safety for granted.”