Today is October 8th, and the official start to Fire Prevention Week.

The Moose Jaw Fire Department is working hard to spread the message of not only prevention, but also escaping if a fire breaks out.

"Fire can spread rapidly through your home leaving you maybe around two minutes to escape safely once the alarm sounds," said the fire department's Public Education Officer Cathie Bassett. "So every second does count and your ability to get out depends on the advance warning from smoke alarms and advance planning, so a  home fire escape plan that everyone in your family is familiar with and has practiced is the key."

That's why "Every Second Counts: Plan Two Ways Out" is this year's theme and the fire department is heading out around town to classrooms to educate children.

Basset also said families should practice twice a year, once in the summer and once in the winter, in order to make sure their family and their children know what to do in case of a fire.

"Depending on where the fire breaks out the parents might not be able actually to get to their children in time," added Basset. "So the kids have to know how to escape and they have to know which way is the best way out of wherever they're at. So we really encourage people to sit down with their kids and go over everything."

You can check out the fire department's Facebook for more on Fire Prevention Week and tips on escaping and fire prevention.