SASKATOON — The Saskatoon Fire Department, in cooperation with the National Fire Protection Association, has designated Oct. 3 to 9 as Fire Prevention Week. The theme for this year’s campaign is “Learn the Sounds of Fire Safety.”
The week long awareness campaign will focus on educating residents about simple but important actions they can take to keep themselves and those around them safe.
In a fire, mere seconds can mean the difference between a safe escape and a tragedy. Knowing what to do when an alarm sounds will keep you and your family safe.
“It’s important to learn the different sounds of smoke and carbon monoxide alarms. When an alarm makes noise — a beeping sound or a chirping sound — you must act,” says Assistant Fire Chief Yvonne Raymer.
“Make sure everyone in the home recognizes and understands the sounds of the alarms and knows how to respond. To learn the sounds of your specific smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, test the alarms monthly by following the manufacturer’s instructions that come in the box, or search the brand and model online.”
The SFD wants to share 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.
- All alarms must be replaced after 10 years, or sooner according to manufacturer’s instructions.
- 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.
Raymer added starting July 1 of next year, carbon monoxide and smoke alarms will be mandatory in all Saskatchewan homes. “Regardless of the building’s age. Now is a great time to install these alarms if you don't already have them so you have time to plan where they should go and become familiar with how they operate."
To learn more about smoke alarms and other fire safety tips, visit saskatoon.ca/firesafety.
For more general information about Fire Prevention Week and fire prevention in general, visit nfpa.org/fpw.
