October 6-12 marks National Fire Prevention Week in Canada", and the Moose Jaw Fire Department (MJFD) will be marking the occasion by holding an open house on Wednesday.

Public Education Officer with the MJFD - Cathy Bassett

"The open house will be October 9, which is Wednesday, and it will be at the South Hill Fire Hall at 750 Lillooet St W. It's kind of an all-day thing however we encourage the public to come between 11 am-2 pm."

Bassett says she expects over 300 students to come to check the open house out, which will feature tours, videos, pop-ups for pictures, and door prizes.

"The theme is 'Not Every Hero Wears a Cape. Plan and Practice your Escape." We want to focus on everyday heroes this year. That could be the father who tests smoke alarms once a month or the teenager that cleans out the lint trap. People can be everyday heroes in their own homes to keep themselves and their families safe."

"Working smoke alarms will cut your risk by 50% if you have them in your home, risk of death or risk of injury. It's so important that we do this. I can't stress smoke alarms enough, test them once a month and replace them if they are 10 years or older. "

Every household should develop and practice an escape plan in case of fire says Bassett, and each house should have two routes outside, as well as a meeting place.