Prince Edward County Fire and Rescue is stressing the importance of having working smoke alarms in the home as part of Fire Prevention Week (October 6 – 12).
This year’s theme is “Smoke Alarms: Make them work for you!”
The National Fire Protection Association reports having working smoke alarms in your home reduces the risk of dying in a home fire by 54%.
Meanwhile, roughly three out of five fire deaths happen in homes with either no smoke alarms or no working smoke alarms.
“Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms serve as the first indication that there is a problem in your home, but they need to be in working order to protect the loved ones inside,” said Fire Chief Chad Brown. “This year’s Fire Prevention Week campaign helps better educate the public about the simple but critical steps they can take to ensure their homes have smoke and CO alarms in all the needed locations and that they’re working properly when needed.”
Prince Edward County Fire and Rescue will conduct a door-to-door campaign between October 6 and 12 in the evening to inform the public about the importance of working smoke alarms in the home. Having working smoke alarms and a plan to help you escape is the best chance to keep you and your family safe in the event of a fire.
“Working smoke and CO alarms can make a life-saving difference in a home fire, giving people the time to get out safely,” said Michael Branscombe, Fire Prevention Officer. “This year’s Fire Prevention Week campaign is a great way to remind everyone about these messages and to act on them.”
Prince Edward County Fire and Rescue offers the following key smoke alarm safety tips and guidelines:
- Install smoke alarms in every bedroom, outside each separate sleeping area (hallways), and on each level (including the basement) of the home.
- Make sure smoke alarms meet the needs of all family members, including those with sensory or physical disabilities.
- Test smoke alarms at least once a month by pushing the test button.
- Replace all smoke alarms when they reach 10 years old. Some alarms may also have a consistent beep that signals the need for replacement.
- Ensure the replacement alarms have the same level of protection as the one being replaced. Hard-wired alarms must be replaced with another similar alarm to ensure the interconnected functionality continues to work and the alarm sounds through the other attached units.
- Alarms sold in Canada should have a CAN/ULC-S531-02 listing on the alarm.
Prince Edward County will wrap up the week with an Open House and BBQ at several fire stations on October 12 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.:
8 McDonald Drive (Picton)
126 County Road 32 (Hallowell)
3080 County Road 10 (Milford)
2771 County Road 5 (Sophiasburgh)
14 County Road 29 (Consecon)
219 County Road 3 (Rossmore)
