Protecting Your Home By: Karin melberg schwier When Ed Onishenko retired as captain after 35 year’s of service with the Saskatoon Fire Department, he wasn’t about to let the flame go out on his mission to educate people about fire safety. He wrote a children’s book about what to do—and what not to do—in the event of a house fire, and he visits classrooms to help students develop a healthy respect for fire. He not only wants families to
be prepared in case of an emergency, he also wants people to understand, develop and practice good preparedness. A habit comes with following a routine, and he is all about teaching adults and children to keep themselves and their homes safe. Autumn is a good time of year to establish new routines. School begins. There is annual maintenance
to be done on a home in preparation for winter. Ed says it’s also a good time to prepare for the possibility of a house fire. It’s fitting, too, that National Fire Safety Week is October 3-9. Knowing what to do in advance pays off if the unthinkable ever happens. Having the Talk Retirement hasn’t gotten in the way of Ed’s zeal for reaching students with his
safety message. He offers a free 30-minute classroom visit to students of any age. Children have fun examining fire fighting equipment and protective gear, and can even take selfies with Ed and the rescue mannequin. The question and answer part of Ed’s visits give children ample opportunity to ask questions. Through his website and classroom visits, he is Saskatoon HOME Fall 2021 | 45
