September 30, 2014 - The Virgin Islands Fire and Rescue Service will be celebrating its 18th annual Fire Safety Awareness Week in the Territory from Sunday, October 5 to Saturday, October 11.
The theme for the week of activities is “Fire Prevention and Education 2014”.
Fire Safety Awareness Week gives fire officers an opportunity to promote the services they provide and to educate the public about safety in the home, school, workplace, and community.
In speaking about this year’s theme, Acting Chief Fire Officer, Mr. William W. Penn said, “We want to ensure that the public is educated on strategies for fire prevention and safety. Additionally, we are taking this opportunity to remind the people on why it is important for them to have emergency plans in place to mitigate and minimise impacts stemming from manmade or natural disasters.”
“Education is the key to the prevention of fire related accidents and proper planning is the key to a quick recovery in the event of a fire.” He added that the theme is a proactive catalyst for building a better Virgin Islands. Mr. Penn stated.
This year’s activities will commence with a church service at the Road Town Baptist Church at 11:00 a.m. on Sunday, October 5. On Monday, October 6 Minister for Communications and Works, Honourable Mark Vanterpool will declare the week open in a statement. This will be followed by educational sessions at the fire headquarters in Road Town and at the Virgin Gorda Fire Station between 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Interested businesses, schools and the public are asked to contact the VI Fire and Rescue Service at 468-4267 or 468-4268 to make special appointments for the sessions.
From Monday, October 6 to Friday, October 10 from 5:30 a.m. to 6:00 a.m. the VI Fire and Rescue Service will host a Morning Devotion Radio Quiz on ZBVI. The first and second correct callers will receive a prize.
Mr. Penn said, “As much as possible, we want everyone to participate in the various educational activities because fire safety is everyone’s responsibility.”
There will also be child safety seat installation instructions, fire suppression training and fire drills to test emergency evacuation plans.
In addition to educating the public, the fire officers will engage in friendly competition including a Breathing Apparatus Endurance Drill competition; a trivia quiz on the history of the Virgin Islands Fire and Rescue Service Safety Week celebrations and various table sports like dominoes.
“It is our desire to continue to build a strong relationship with the community as it relates to fire safety. Also, this week of activities will allow officers and the public to interact as all stakeholders learn about the resources, operational policies and processes of the department,” Mr. Penn concluded.
Fire and Safety Awareness Week will conclude with a walk from VI Fire and Rescue Service Headquarters to CSY dock (Peter Island ferry dock) on Saturday, October 11 at 5:30 a.m.
The community is invited to attend and participate in the scheduled activities.
The Virgin Islands Fire and Rescue Service remains committed to protecting life and property from the ravages of fire and other natural and manmade hazards.
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British Virgin Islands News