This year’s Fire Prevention Week theme, “Smoke Alarms: Make Them Work for You!” runs from October 6-12, 2024. The campaign focuses on educating the public about the critical importance of having functioning smoke alarms in the home.
Working smoke alarms can be life-saving during a home fire, giving people crucial time to escape safely. Smoke alarms reduce the risk of dying in a home fire by more than half (54 per cent). Unfortunately, roughly three out of five fire deaths occur in homes with no smoke alarms or non-functioning smoke alarms.
Smoke alarms are the first line of defense in a fire, but they must be in proper working condition. This year’s campaign aims to teach everyone simple but essential steps to ensure they have smoke alarms in all necessary locations and that those alarms are operational.
- Install smoke alarms in every bedroom, outside sleeping areas (such as hallways), and on every level of the home, including basements.
- Ensure 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 pressing the test button.
- Replace smoke alarms every 10 years.
Port Coquitlam Fire and Emergency Services are committed to enhancing home safety by providing free smoke alarms to the community’s most vulnerable residents. Home visits by a Fire Prevention Officer can be arranged to determine optimal smoke alarm placement or to test existing alarms. If a new alarm is needed, Fire staff will install it and conduct a home safety inspection. Residents can sign up at portcoquitlam.ca/smokealarm.
Each year, Port Coquitlam Fire and Emergency Services participate in Fire Prevention Week by educating the community and assisting elementary schools with fire drills. For over 30 years, firefighters have helped schools conduct drills and teach students about the annual fire safety theme.
Students in kindergarten to grade three can enter a draw to become “Captain for a Day” or “Fire Chief for a Day” by visiting portcoquitlam.ca/fpwballot.
For more fire safety and prevention tips, visit portcoquitlam.ca/fire or contact Port Coquitlam Fire and Emergency Services at [email protected] or 604.927.5466.