Town of Caledon Fire and Emergency Services reminds all residents that working smoke alarms can make a life-saving difference in a fire. That’s the message behind this year’s Fire Prevention Week campaign, “Working Smoke Alarms Save Lives: Test Yours Every Month!”
During Fire Prevention Week, from October 5 to11, 2014 Caledon Fire and Emergency Services emphasizes the importance of having working smoke alarms in the home and testing them monthly.
“In a fire, seconds count,” said Chief David Forfar. “Roughly half of home fire deaths result from fires reported at night between 11 p.m. and 7 a.m. when most people are asleep. Home smoke alarms can alert people to the presence of toxic smoke and give everyone an opportunity to get out alive.”
This year’s Fire Prevention Week campaign includes the following smoke alarm messages:
Install smoke alarms in every bedroom, outside each separate sleeping area and on every level of the home, including the basement.
Interconnect all smoke alarms throughout the home. This way, when one sounds, they all do.
Test alarms at least monthly by pushing the test button.
Replace all smoke alarms when they are 10 years old or sooner if they don’t respond properly.
Make sure everyone in the home knows the sound of the smoke alarm and understands what to do when they hear it.
Create and practice a home escape plan to help you survive a fire in your home.
Caledon Fire and Emergency Services will be out in the community during Fire Prevention Week to promote “Working Smoke Alarms Save Lives!” – or you can stop by one of the fire stations to learn more.
“I am challenging everyone in this community to demonstrate how you test your smoke alarms,” said Chief Forfar. “Post your pictures to Facebook or Twitter with the hashtag #FPW2014.”
Caledon Fire and Emergency Service would like to remind residents to check for working smoke alarms and have a family escape plan. To download a Home Escape Planning Grid, go to www.caledon.ca/fire or for more information contact us at 905.584.2272 x.4303.
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Media Contact:
Bethany Lee
Corporate Communications
905.584.2272 x.4106 | communications@caledon.ca
