Smoke alarms: Make them work for you! Fire Prevention Week 2024 ›

St. Albert Fire Services is teaming up with the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) -the official sponsor of Fire Prevention Week (FPW) for the past 100 years-to promote this year's FPW theme: "Smoke alarms: Make them work for you! Pay attention to fire prevention." This year's campaign, which runs October 6 to 12, 2024, focuses on educating everyone about the importance of having working smoke alarms in the home.

According to NFPA, smoke alarms reduce the risk of dying in a home fire by more than half (54 per cent). Meanwhile, roughly three out of five fire deaths happen in homes with either no smoke alarms or no working smoke alarms.

"Smoke alarms serve as the first line of defense in a home fire, but they need to be working in order to protect people," said Lorraine Carli, vice president of outreach and advocacy at NFPA. "This year's Fire Prevention Week campaign helps better educate the public about simple but critical steps they can take to make sure their homes have smoke alarms in all the needed locations and that they're working properly."

"Having working smoke alarms in your home can save lives, giving people time to get out safely," said Michael Bos, Fire Prevention Officer, St. Albert Fire Services. "Testing alarms monthly and replacing them every 10 years can be a life-saving action you take now in your home."

St. Albert Fire Services encourages everyone to install, test and replace smoke alarms following these easy tips:

• Install smoke alarms in every bedroom, outside each separate sleeping area (like a hallway), 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 are 10 years old.

St. Albert Fire Services will be hosting their annual Fire Prevention Week Open House to share important tips on fire prevention. The event will also include family-friendly activities and an opportunity for children to apply to be a Fire Chief for a Day. The Open House will take place at Fire Hall #1 (20 Gate Avenue), on Saturday, October 12, 2024, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Learn more at stalbert.ca.

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