This week marks the 21st Fire Prevention Week in Canada, and this year's theme is 'Every Second Counts, Plan 2 Ways Out'.

Swift Current Deputy Fire Chief Peter L'Heureux said that it's important to have two ways out, because if the main exits are unusable, you may end up trapped.

"We need to have two ways to escape because sometimes smoke detectors don't work, or you are somewhere that doesn't have proper protection, and you won't have time to get to the main exit."

L'Heureux added that it's always a good idea to have a second way out that is not the main exit.

L'Heureux said that it's important to have these weeks because it reminds people to plan and to stay safe.

"I think we live in a time where things are very safe, and we are often complacent about our safety and making sure that we're safe and that our families are safe," he said. "We take for granted that somebody else is going to be there to do it for us. I think this year's theme of having two ways out of your home, or your business, is just a reminder that we should always be mindful and not take the easy way out in not planning for yourself."

L'Heureux said he hopes that this week will make people and the community safer.

"We are looking to make the community, and the people in it, aware of the fact that every year there is a theme and every year that theme is based around making us safer - not only in our own homes but our community in places that we work."

L'Heureux added that they plan on involving grade schools from K-5 in the week by having 'be fire chief for a day,' letting kids ride to school in a fire truck and having them create and practise a home fire space plan.

Here are some tips from this year's Fire Prevention Week:

-Draw an escape plan for your home, and mark two exits from each room and a path to the outside from each exit.
-Practise your home fire drill twice a year. Conduct one at night and one during the day with everyone in your home, and practise using different ways out.
-Teach children how to escape on their own in case you can’t help them.
-Make sure the number of your home is marked and easy for the fire department to find.
-Close doors behind you as you leave – this may slow the spread of smoke, heat, and fire.
-Once you get outside, stay outside. Never go back inside a burning building.