Georgina Fire and Rescue Services is teaming up with the National Fire Protection Association® (NFPA®) – the official sponsor of Fire Prevention Week (FPW) for more than 100 years – to promote this year’s FPW campaign, “Smoke alarms: Make them work for you!” The campaign, which runs from Oct. 6 to Oct. 12, 2024, works to educate everyone about the importance of having working smoke alarms in the home.
“Working smoke alarms can make a life-saving difference in a home fire, giving people the time to get out safely,” said Fire Chief Ron Jenkins. “Working smoke alarms sense smoke well before you can, alerting you to danger in the event of fire in which you may have as little as two minutes to escape safely. This year’s Fire Prevention Week campaign is a great way to remind everyone about these messages and to act on them.”
According to NFPA, smoke alarms reduce the risk of dying in a home fire by more than 54 per cent. Meanwhile, roughly three out of five fire deaths happen in homes with either no smoke alarms or no working smoke alarms.
Georgina Fire and Rescue Services encourages all residents to actively support the 2024 FPW theme, “Smoke alarms: Make them work for you!”
Georgina Fire offers these key smoke alarm safety tips and guidelines:
- 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.
Georgina Fire and Rescue Services is hosting its annual Open House at the Sutton Fire Hall, 37 Snooks Rd., on Sept. 21 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in support of Fire Prevention Week. The event will include a free barbecue, interactive stations and various community partners. Visit georgina.ca/fire for more information.