With students now settled into the new year, Calgary fire officials have reminded residents that safety doesn\u2019t end at the schoolyard line.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Members of the Calgary Fire Department (CFD) held a media availability on Oct. 22 at St. Elizabeth Seton School, located in the city\u2019s northwest, to demonstrate the behind-the-scenes of fire drills.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Chief Steve Dongworth said each school must complete at least six fire drills each year, and that fire officials must attend at least one. He said this ensures staff, students, and the broader community know what to do.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cFirefighters attend the drill to support school staff, check access points, fire safety systems, evacuation procedures, and assembly areas \u2014 all critical parts of a fire escape plan,\u201d said Dongworth.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cWe also connect teachers with important fire safety educational resources, so that students and parents can learn what to do in emergency situations.\u201d<\/p>\n
He said that, over the years, the fire department has become more involved in spreading this awareness, including partnering with school boards. The basic principle remains the same, however: getting everyone out fast and efficiently.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cTo get out quickly, to check that everyone\u2019s accounted for by assembling in a position or a place where it\u2019s agreed that\u2019s what\u2019s going to happen,\u201d said Dongworth.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cSo that we can, when we come, take care of whatever situation there is that needs to be taken care of.\u201d<\/p>\n
Kean Hallisey, this year\u2019s junior fire chief, is a Grade 8 student who said he wants to become a fireman. He said that it\u2019s important to take fire plans seriously not only at school, but at home, too.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Hallisey recommended that every home have an escape plan with two exit options for each room and a predetermined meeting location far from the home.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou should practice it twice a year so you remember what to do and stay safe in a real emergency,\u201d he said.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cIf you have a pet or something, and you are out, stay out \u2014 you can ask the [firefighters] to get them. Hopefully, they can get it for you.\u201d<\/p>\n
For more information about home fire safety, visit the City of Calgary\u2019s website<\/a>.<\/p>\n Liked it? Take a second to support Sarah Palmer – Local Journalism Initiative on Patreon!<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/CFD-Drill-4.jpg\")
Kindergarten students attending Calgary\u2019s northwest St. Elizabeth Seton School participate in a fire drill on October 22, 2026. SARAH PALMER \/ LIVEWIRE CALGARY<\/p>\n
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