The Woodridge Firefighter’s Association in Woodridge, Man. uses videos to demonstrate how fast fire becomes deadly and how effective home fire sprinklers are in controlling fires.
“We have the opportunity to showcase some videos at fairs and events we’ve had locally, and it demonstrates a ton of information for clients and community members,” Joel Grenier, district fire chief in Woodridge, says.
Grenier and the team in Woodridge received a $500 stipend from Home Fire Sprinkler Coalition Canada to purchase a large monitor specifically for use at community events.
The department set up the monitor during an open house in October. More than 70 community members turned out for the event, which included several other family activities for visitors of all ages.
“I like to tell people that we have the proof here,” Grenier says, referring to home fire sprinkler safety. “People are aware of it now, but it’s up to them to figure it out, they have to talk to their own insurance companies.”
Grenier said his municipality does not require home fire sprinkler installations in new builds.
The most popular video that Grenier and the team in Woodridge show using the new TV is a side-by-side burn-sprinkler demo, which hits home the fact that sprinklers can save a home, and a life.
“It’s an eye opener,” Grenier says. “People are asking their insurance providers more and more about that. It’s definitely creating conversations.”
A lack of public knowledge around home fire sprinklers is among Woodridge’s biggest challenges at the moment. There are residents who need information – especially after seeing the side-by-side burn demo video – and there isn’t much available outside of specialized firefighter publications.
For anyone looking for information to share with the public about home fire sprinklers, check out HFSC Canada’s new home buyer FAQs.
https://homefiresprinklercanada.ca/fire-sprinkler-answers/
