Education and Safety
Fire happens fast. Knowing how to prevent and escape from a fire is critical.
In a residential fire, you may have as little as 2 minutes to escape from the time the smoke alarm sounds. In case of an emergency, call 9-1-1.
How prepared are you and your family? View our home safety checklist. Looking for resources to share in the classroom? View the student safety checklist.
Programs and campaigns
Medicine Hat Fire and Emergency Services is committed to ensuring the safety of Hatters in their homes, schools, and workplaces. Explore the programs we offer to keep our community safe and help share fire safety messages.
Fire safety presentations
We offer fire and life safety presentations tailored to diverse community groups and classrooms. Connect with us to discover how we can complement your learning objectives and help build a safer, more prepared community.
The holiday and winter season is here, but safety never takes a break!
Simple steps—like checking your smoke alarms and keeping your Christmas tree properly watered—can make a big difference in keeping your family safe this holiday season.
Fire Prevention Week 2024 may be over, but fire safety is a 365-day commitment.
Is the smoke alarm in your home working? Working smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) alarms save lives.
Fire station tours |
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MHFES provides free fire station tours for schools and community groups during regular office hours. On these tours, students will explore firefighter gear and trucks, and learn some valuable safety tips and fire prevention strategies. Tours must be booked in advance by calling (403) 529-8282. |
Fire safety presentations |
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We provide presentations to diverse community groups by request. Please email our Fire and Life Safety Educator, Kelli at kelire@medicinehat.ca to coordinate a presentation. |
Fire extinguisher orientation |
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Members are available to speak to your business or organization about the safe use and operation of fire extinguishers. |
Home safety inspection |
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We can test your smoke alarms, discuss your fire escape plan, and help you look for hazards that may exist in your home. To coordinate a free home and life safety inspection, email kelire@medicinehat.ca. |
After the fire |
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Members of the Community Safety team go door-to-door and speak with residents after a fire in the neighbourhood. We answer questions, offer to check smoke alarms, and can perform a home inspection and life safety check in your residence. |
Youth firesetter intervention |
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The Youth Firesetter Intervention program is for children and teens ages 3 to 17 who have set fires or are drawn to playing with fire. This is a free, confidential program to educate children and teens about fire safety and helps modify their fire setting behaviour. Once we have been contacted, one of our Community Safety Officers trained to address firesetting behaviour will: 1- Interview the firesetter's parent(s). 2- Schedule a home visit to check that the home is safe and has working smoke and carbon monoxide alarms. 3- Schedule an education session with the fire setter to teach them about the consequences of fire and about their firesetting behaviour. If you know a young firesetter or have concerns that a child or teen might be one, please call us, we can help! (403) 529-8282. |
Car seat installations |
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Car seat education clinics are provided by Alberta Health Services. View poster (PDF). These clinics are offered by appointment only. For more information, call 403.502.8249 or email HealthPromotion.South@ahs.ca. |
Community safety branch
The Community Safety team at Medicine Hat Fire and Emergency Services is also responsible for conducting investigations and inspections as part of their commitment to safety and preventing future incidents.
| Inspections |
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Our Community Safety team inspects businesses and public buildings to identify potential fire hazards. We also review building plans, visit sites, and work with builders to ensure safety standards are met. We also offer free home inspections, if you'd like to coordinate, contact us at (403) 529-8282. |
| Investigations |
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Every fire or explosion which results in property damage, injury, death and arson are investigated. The goal of an investigation is to determine the orgin and cause of a fire to prevent future incidents. |