Cochrane Fire Services in partnership with the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) is teaming up for Fire Prevention Week 2024. This year's campaign, "Smoke alarms: Make them work for you!” runs from October 6 -12 and provides an opportunity to educate Cochranites about the importance of having smoke alarms in the home.
According to the NFPA, working smoke alarms reduce the risk of dying in a home fire by over 50%. However, nearly 60% of home fire deaths occur in houses without functioning smoke alarms or no alarms at all.
"Smoke alarms are the first line of defense in a home fire, but they must be functional to protect people," says Chief Polley. "This year's Fire Prevention Week campaign educates the public on simple yet essential steps to ensure their homes have smoke alarms in the right places and that they are working properly."
Cochrane Fire Services is encouraging residents to stay vigilant about smoke detector safety:
- 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.
- Check the expiry date stamp on the device and replace all smoke alarms when they are 10 years old.
- Change the batteries in smoke alarms every year. A great time to do this is when you change your clocks for daylight saving time.
Cochrane Fire Services will be out in our community promoting fire prevention week, including bookable home smoke alarm visits and a colouring contest where one lucky family will have the chance to visit the firehall for a personalized tour of Station 151. Residents are also encouraged to follow the Town of Cochrane's Instagram and Facebook social media pages for more smoke alarm safety tips throughout the week.
For more information on Fire Prevention Week, visit https://www.nfpa.org/events/fire-prevention-week or Cochrane.ca/fpw.
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