The Honourable Bernard Davis, Minister of Justice and Public Safety, has proclaimed October 6-12, 2024, Fire Prevention Week in Newfoundland and Labrador.

This year’s theme, Smoke Alarms: Make Them Work for You!, aims to educate residents about the importance of working smoke alarms in the home. The campaign involves three key calls to action:

• Install
  Install smoke alarms in every bedroom, outside each separate sleeping area (like a hallway), and on each level (including the basement) of your home.
• Test
  Test smoke alarms at least once a month by pushing the test button.
• Replace
  Replace all smoke alarms when they are 10 years old or stop responding when tested.

On Friday, Minister Davis participated in an event at the Portugal Cove-St. Philip’s Fire Department to kick off the week. He was joined by Portugal Cove-St. Philip’s Fire Chief Fred Hollett as well as representatives from fire departments throughout the region.

The Provincial Government encourages residents, families and educators to practice whole home safety, and to learn more about fire prevention actions that can help keep people safe. Residents are reminded that smoke alarms in your home should meet the needs of all family members, including those with sensory or physical disabilities. Fire Prevention Week is a great opportunity to test carbon monoxide detectors. These alarms are designed to alert you of any build-up of carbon monoxide in your home or dwelling.

Last year, there were more than 740 reported fire-related incidents in the province, with five fire-related deaths.

To help educate children regarding the importance of a working smoke alarm, and other fire safety tips, visit Sparky the Fire Dog at www.sparky.org for videos, games and other fun activities.

Quotes
“I urge residents to complete the simple act of testing your smoke alarm, to ensure it is working. Having that confidence could mean so much to your family in the most urgent of times. Fire Prevention Week is a great time to thank our emergency responders for the work they do, I thank them for their bravery and for helping to keep our communities safe.”
Honourable Bernard Davis
Minister of Justice and Public Safety

“A fire prevented saves lives, saves property and keeps our families and firefighters safe. A fire detected early is a fire you can escape. Please help your firefighters by ‘making your smoke detectors work for you.’”
Duane Antle
President, Newfoundland and Labrador Association of Fire Services

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Learn more
Fire Prevention Week

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