The BC Professional Fire Fighters’ Burn Fund is joining fire departments across British Columbia and the Yukon in recognizing Fire Prevention Week™, which runs from October 6-12, 2024. This year’s theme is “Smoke alarms: Make them work for you!” emphasizing the life-saving role of smoke alarms in preventing tragedy.
According to the National Fire Prevention Association, smoke alarms reduce the risk of dying in a home fire by more than half (54 percent). Meanwhile, roughly three out of five fire deaths happen in homes with either no smoke alarms or no working smoke alarms.
“Every second counts when a fire breaks out, and having properly installed and maintained smoke alarms can mean the difference between life and death,” said Todd Schierling, President of the BC Professional Fire Fighters’ Burn Fund. “This Fire Prevention Week, we want to remind families to install smoke alarms in their homes, test them monthly, change batteries annually and replace units that are over 10 years old.”
This year, The BC Professional Fire Fighters’ Burn Fund has joined forces with the Fort St. John Fire Fighters, Local 2143. Throughout the week, we’ll be sharing educational resources and safety tips to help families learn more about how to properly install, maintain, and use smoke alarms in their homes.
Quick Tips for Smoke Alarm Safety:
Consider Special Alarms: Use alarms with strobe lights or vibrating pads for people with hearing impairments.
Install on Every Level: Place smoke alarms on every level of your home, inside bedrooms, and outside sleeping areas.
Test Regularly: Test alarms monthly by pressing the test button to ensure they’re working properly.
Change Batteries Annually: Replace batteries at least once a year, or when you hear a low-battery chirp.
Replace Old Alarms: Smoke alarms should be replaced every 10 years or according to the manufacturer’s guidelines.
Interconnect for Safety: If possible, use interconnected smoke alarms so that when one sounds, they all do.
Have a Plan: Ensure everyone in the household knows what to do if the alarm sounds. Practice your escape plan twice a year.
Install High on Walls or Ceilings: Smoke rises, so install alarms high on walls or on ceilings for the best detection.
