Properly functioning smoke detectors save lives.
That's the message 100 Mile Fire Rescue chief Dave Bissat and firefighters across the province are spreading this Fire Prevention Week from Oct. 7 to 11. Bissat said that making sure smoke alarms work for you is an easy way to help protect yourself and your family in the result of a fire.
"Smoke alarms are important because you want to know if something is going on in your home, especially when you're sleeping," Bissat said. "In a lot of cases as well smoke alarms have gone off in the night and the families were able to get out."
Bissat said this month is a great time for the public to make sure their smoke alarms are working and have fresh batteries. Most smoke alarms tend to have a 10-year life span and it's recommended you check your alarm once a month to ensure it's functioning properly. This can be done by pressing the button on the bottom and if the alarm doesn't sound, that's a sign batteries need replacing.
"Sometimes they fill up with dust in your home and will go off for no reason, so sometimes you need to take them off, (clean) them out and make sure they work again."
If you're installing new smoke alarms in your home, Bissat recommends installing them in key areas including inside each bedroom, the kitchen, the basement and on every level of your home. Ideally having the smoke alarms be interconnected is best so that in the result of one being triggered they all activate.
If you or a family member has a hearing impairment, Bissat said there are specialized smoke alarms the public can get that feature strobe lights or bed shakers. These devices can be linked to a standard smoke alarm and will activate if smoke is detected.
This time of year is also a good time to review your family's fire escape plan. Making sure your children and other members of your household know where all the exits of your home are and where they should gather helps ensure everyone stays safe.
"Make sure you have a meeting spot. We give out a lot of escape plans for kids to draw up with their families to make sure they know how to get out of their house. Either through the front door or if they are able to out a window," Bissat explained. "That way in an emergency you know what to do. It's important for your children or elderly family members to know what to do."
In addition to providing public resources and information to the community, Bissat said he and his department plan to visit 100 Mile Elementary School to conduct presentations for the children and host tours of 100 Mile Fire Rescue's firehall throughout the week. He noted the department is open to doing tours and fire safety talks any time of year if a group wants to request one. Bissat can be reached by calling 250-395-2152 or by emailing DBissat@100milehouse.com.
"As always if anyone in our fire protection area needs help with checking smoke alarms or has any fire-related questions, reach out to us and one of our professionals will be happy to assist you or answer any of your questions relating to fire safety," Bissat remarked.
