‘Hear the beep while you sleep’ is the tagline for this year’s Fire Prevention Week, running Oct. 4 to 10.
During the week, Cochrane Fire Services will be visiting the West Valley community to remind everyone of the importance of smoke alarms in saving lives. Members will be going to homes each evening, offering free alarm tests as well as providing free devices with batteries.
Jeff Avery, safety codes officer and lieutenant with Cochrane Fire, said the tagline refers to the results of a National Fire Protection Association study that showed the greatest frequency of fires happening between 11 p.m. to 7 a.m. Because of this, Avery said they recommend people place alarms not only on every floor, but also in bedrooms.
“The more, the better,” he said.
Avery’s rule of thumb: “I tell people to change the batteries at daylight savings so at least you’re checking them twice a year.”
Avery said they’re also using this time to remind people of the importance of installing carbon monoxide detectors.
Even if you don’t live in West Valley, Avery said people could contact fire services to get an alarm installed.
According to the Alberta Office of the Fire Commission, a properly installed and working smoke alarm can cut the chances of dying in a fire in half.
In a joint information package, the commission and ATCO Gas listed a number of points on installing and maintaining alarms.
Alarms should be mounted high on walls or on the ceiling. Avoid installing smoke alarms near windows, doors or air ducts where drafts might interfere with their operation. They also recommend testing devices on a monthly basis. If the room is dusty, they may become clogged which can prevent smoke entering and triggering the alarm. The normal lifespan for an alarm is around 10 years and devices past this age should be replaced. Batteries should be changed at least once a year.
Fire Prevention Week was established in 1922 to commemorate the Great Chicago Fire, which hit and decimated the Windy City Oct. 8, 1871.
For more information visit cochrane.ca/fireservices or call 403-851-2540.
