Wetaskiwin Fire Services has a new Fire Chief as of June this year. Amber Coleman stepped into the role after previously serving with Parkland County Fire Services.
Coleman has been a firefighter for the past 27 years and made the move to Wetaskiwin for the opportunities offered at Wetaskiwin Fire Services.
She says that there is never a dull moment and so far her first couple of months working in Wetaskiwin has been a whirlwind.
In conjunction with the National Fire Prevention Week theme for 2022 “fire won’t wait, plan your escape”, Coleman speaks to the importance of having a fire safety plan in place.
“We want to reiterate the fact to residents that it is a great idea to have a fire safety plan and a fire exit plan and to practice it with your family,” says Coleman.
“We don’t plan to have fires in the home, but if it happens what is your plan to get out?”
She says that the biggest thing is to make your escape and keep your family safe before worrying about anything else in the instance of a house fire.
“Property can be replaced, people can’t”
Coleman states that the best way to keep your family safe from fire is to, “always be aware, be prepared.”
Some preparations include knowing your exit route and strategy if your home were to go up in flames. A preparation one could make includes having a rope ladder in the home which is easily accessible on the second storey of the home if you have more than one floor. This rope will help you and your family escape out of a window at a height if your other exits are blocked.
These ladders can be found at stores like Canadian Tire or online at Amazon.
In addition to keeping exit routes clear, Coleman suggests that your escape plan include where you are going to go after leaving the home. Can you go to a neighbours? Do you have family in the area?
She also suggests keeping your medications and documentations handy and accessible. Have your insurance information somewhere so that it makes it out of the house with you.
One issue that the Wetaskiwin Fire Service has faced is issues with false alarm activation. Coleman suggests to avoid being billed for multiple false alarm calls and having firefighters assemble for an emergency that isn’t happening, residents should contact their residential alarm system providers and ask for them to contact the resident first when an alarm goes off to check if there is an emergency before 911 is dispatched.
Another problem Wetaskiwin Fire Services has been dealing with is low volunteer, on-call numbers. The department is actively recruiting for members.
“If you would like to volunteer with your local paid on-call fire department, please we need you.”
The City of Wetaskiwin would also like to take a moment and thank not only the part-time on call firefighters of Wetaskiwin and area but also to express their sincere gratitude to their employers.
They state they know firsthand it can be inconvenient and burdensome having an employee leave during the middle of the workday.
The city wants to say thank you, for the vital part these companies play in helping the community members.
These companies include:
R4 Mechanical, Nestle Canada, Baker Funeral Chapel, JFX Services, Home Hardware Distribution, Alberta Health Services, Serenity Funeral Home, Diamond S, Highline Motorsports, Bull Dog Energy Group, City of Wetaskiwin - Public Works, Manluk Industries, Fire Master, Armour Safety, First Response and Hope Mission.
If anybody would like to learn more about what it means to be part of Wetaskiwin Fire Services or to join the team, they can email amber.coleman@wetaskiwin.ca or call 780-361-4429.