Oshawa Fire reminding residents to check smoke alarms during Fire Prevention Week

Fire Prevention Week kicks off October 6 with a reminder from Oshawa Fire to regularly check your smoke alarms to ensure they are in working order.

This year’s theme is ‘Smoke Alarms, make them work for you!’ comes in response to National Fire Protection Association data, which shows that most home fire deaths occur in homes with no working smoke alarms. Having working smoke alarms in the home, declares Oshawa Fire, reduces the risk of dying in a home fire by more than half.

“People tend to remove smoke alarm batteries or dismantle them altogether when they don’t know how to fix the issue. These actions put them at serious risk in the event of a home fire.”

This year’s Fire Prevention Week campaign (October 6-12) gives people the tools and know-how to keep their smoke alarms in working order:

• Install smoke alarms in every bedroom, outside each separate sleeping area (in 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.
• Replace all smoke alarms when they are 10 years old or don’t respond when tested.
• Oshawa Fire Services will be in the community next week providing information on fire safety, smoke alarms, carbon monoxide alarms, fire extinguishers and fire equipment.

Visit Oshawa Fire Services staff at the Oshawa Generals game Sunday, October 6 and at NEB’s Funworld on October 12 to see an educational booth featuring demonstrations, displays of smoke and carbon monoxide alarms and a variety of giveaways.