NORTH BATTLEFORD — The North Battleford Fire Department will be busy the week of Oct. 7-12 as they engage with the community promoting this year’s message, and fire safety education, for Fire Prevention Week.
National Fire Prevention Week has been taking place for decades. Firefighters in our communities provide lifesaving public education an effort to drastically decrease casualties and injuries caused by fires. It is recognized each year in October.
The theme of this year’s event is, “Smoke Alarms, Make Them Work for You.”
Smoke alarms are an essential part of your home fire escape plan, officials say. In a fire, smoke spreads rapidly, and functioning smoke alarms provide an early alert, helping you get outside quickly.
The Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency fact sheet on the government’s website states, “Roughly three out of five fire deaths happen in homes when there are no smoke alarms or no smoke alarms that work.”
NBFD will engage in activities starting with their appearance at Discovery Co-op Mall on Oct. 7, between 1 and 4 p.m. Their team’s work continues at Walmart on the evening of Oct. 8.
The always popular beef on a bun dinner will once again be served at the fire hall on Oct. 9 between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. For only $5, supporters can get a lunch that includes salad, drink and dessert and people can join them to dine in at the fire hall or pre-order for delivery. This event is thanks to a few generous supporters and the team at NBFD.
The community engagement events, as part of Fire Prevention Week activity, continue Oct. 9 at the Nation West Field house from 6:30 p.m. for a couple of hours. Oct. 10, NBFD will be at the Frontier Centre, near Dollarama between 1 and 4 p.m.
Children kindergarten to Grade 7 have the opportunity to be fire chief for the day, on Oct. 11 between 9 and 1 p.m. and Oct. 12 an afternoon activity will wrap up at Discovery Co-op Mall.
Effective July 1, 2022, all buildings in Saskatchewan with sleeping rooms are required to provide early warning protection against the effects of carbon monoxide poisoning, smoke and fire.
There are many types of alarms available to suit your circumstances and building layout. Working smoke alarms can alert you and your family so there is time to escape and call 911. Purchasers can choose from hard-wired alarms, tamper-resistant, or 10-year battery alarms to detect CO and/or smoke.
Residents need to know smoke alarms and combination smoke/CO alarms do need to be replaced. Follow the recommended replacement cycle indicated by the manufacturer for your alarms. If you hear a ‘chirp’ coming from your alarm it will be indicating either battery or unit replacement.
If you don’t remember how old your alarm is, you should replace it.
The Saskatchewan Government website also states, “When a building contains sleeping rooms, smoke alarms must be installed: on each floor level of a building, including the level with sleeping rooms, with the smoke alarm located between the sleeping rooms and the remainder of the floor; and inside each sleeping room.”
Officers in charge at NBFD include Chief Lindsay Holm and Deputy Chief Paul Perry.
“The North Battleford Fire Department understands just how vital community education is when it comes to fire safety. This year’s Fire Prevention Week theme, 'Smoke detectors: Make them work for you,' highlights a simple yet crucial step every household can take to stay safe. Smoke detectors save lives, but only if they are properly installed, maintained, and tested, says Paul Perry.
Perry also adds by educating residents on how to make their smoke detectors work for them, they are empowering them to protect their homes and families. Throughout Fire Prevention Week and beyond, NBFD is committed to providing resources and guidance to ensure every home in North Battleford is prepared for an emergency.
The NBFD wants to drive home the message that fire safety starts with prevention, and by working together, they can make our community safer for everyone.
“Our department has unfortunately attended many scenes where smoke detectors were either non-operational or not present, and we are working diligently to ensure everyone realizes the importance of these simple tools to help prevent tragic outcomes in our community.”
