The Provincial Government is acknowledging Fire Prevention Week that runs from October 3 – 9. This year’s theme is “Learn the Sounds of Fire Safety!” During this week, residents, families, educators, and fire departments are encouraged to learn more about the simple but important actions they can take to keep themselves, and those around them, safe.
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. Having a planned and practiced home fire escape plan is likely to reduce injury and death.
Here are some safety tips to help you Learn the Sounds of Fire Safety:
- A continuous set of three loud beeps — beep, beep, beep — means smoke or fire. Get out, call 9-1-1, and stay out.
- A single chirp every 30 or 60 seconds means the battery is low and must be changed.
- Chirping that continues after the battery has been replaced means the alarm is at the end of its life and the unit must be replaced.
- Make sure your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms meet the needs of all your family members, including those with sensory or physical disabilities.
- All smoke alarms must be replaced after 10 years.
Quotes
“During Fire Prevention Week, I encourage you to take the time to learn the sounds of the different alarms in your home and remember no matter the sound, action is required. That could mean anything from evacuating your home and calling 9-1-1 to more simply changing the batteries in your alarm or replacing it altogether. Do not put yourself or those you love at risk – take the time and do your part to stay safe.”
Honourable John Hogan
Minister of Justice and Public Safety and Attorney General
“National statistics indicate that homes equipped with functioning smoke alarms reduce fatalities in home fires by more than 50 per cent. Studies go on to show that in home fires where fatalities have occurred, three out of five are due to the absence of a smoke alarm or an alarm that has failed to operate because of a missing or non-functioning power source. This Fire Prevention Week, ‘Learn the Sounds of Fire Safety!’”
Joe Power
President, Newfoundland and Labrador Association of Fire Services
-30-
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Media contacts
Danielle Barron
Justice and Public Safety
709-729-5188, 691-2944
daniellebarron@gov.nl.ca
Mandy Young
NL Association of Fire Services
709-424-6500
office@nlfireservices.com