When it comes to fire prevention, always err on the side of caution, said Osoyoos Fire Department Chief Rick Jones.
The message – or theme – during Fire Prevention Week 2016 is “Don’t Wait – Check the Date. Replace Smoke Alarms Every 10 Years.”
“It’s definitely a good idea to replace your smoke detectors every 10 years, even if they appear to be working just fine,” said Jones. “This doesn’t just include battery-operated smoke detectors, but also those that are hard wired to electrical systems. Those can also fail.”
Smoke detectors play a significant role in preventing fires and it’s crucial that homeowners and property owners take extra precautions to check them thoroughly on a regular basis, said Jones.
If you’ve used the same smoke detector for 10 consecutive years, it’s time to replace it with a new model to ensure the safety of your home and loved ones, he said.
Asked if he had any other tips during Fire Prevention Week, Jones said it’s always a good idea for every family to “have a plan” should a fire take place or a fire alarm go off suddenly.
“It’s a great idea to talk about where you’re going to go and where you’re going to meet outside the home should there be a fire or a fire alarm goes off … be it in front of the tree, by the mailbox or the end of the driveway,” he said. “Every family should make plans to get out of the home and go to safe ground if a fire does happen.”
The fact Fire Prevention Week is recognized across Canada and that so many people now take regular precautions to prevent fires is very encouraging, said Jones.
“Most people have fire prevention plans in place and know what to do,” he said. “Things have come a long way over the past few years.”
Fire departments from across Canada and the United States work to raise public awareness about the dangers of fire and how to prevent it during Fire Prevention Week in early October.
The aim of the 2016 Fire Prevention Week campaign is to raise awareness and keep your family safe by replacing smoke alarms that are more than 10 years old.
To check how old your smoke alarm is, look at the date of manufacture on the back of the alarm; the alarm should be replaced 10 years from that date.
Smoke alarms save lives.
If there is a fire in your home, smoke spreads fast and you need smoke alarms to give you time to get out.
During Fire Prevention Week, the Office of the Fire Commissioner (OFC) works with B.C. Fire Departments to distribute “Fire Safety Starts With You!” activity booklets to primary students.
Jones said he and several of his volunteers will be visiting Osoyoos Elementary School this week to hand out these activity booklets.
As part of the week’s activities, this year’s annual iPad contest will include a prize winner in each of the five geographic OFC zones of the province, with the addition of a winner from a First Nations Band Operated School in B.C. The six iPads are jointly sponsored by the OFC, the BC Fire Chiefs’ Association, the Fire Training Officers’ Association of BC, the Fire Prevention Officers’ Association of BC, Fortis BC and First Nations’ Emergency Services Society.
The Fire Prevention Week theme is announced by the National Fire Protection Association and was established to commemorate the Great Chicago Fire in 1871, which destroyed more than 17,400 structures and killed more than 250 people.
Dates to remember: Fire Prevention Week Campaign
• Nov. 13, 2016 – completed entry forms to be dropped off to the fire hall.
• Nov. 17, 2016 – fire hall to draw one entry form and send it to the OFC.
• Nov. 25, 2016 – all entry forms must be received by the OFC.
• Nov. 30, 2016 – Provincial draw for iPads done by OFC.
• Nov. 25, 2016 – please submit all Fire Prevention Week feedback forms to the OFC.
There are numerous sponsors in the iPad giveaway contest. They include:
• Fire Chiefs’ Association of British
• British Columbia Fire Training Officers Association
• Fire Prevention Officers’ Association of British Columbia
• Fortis BC
• Office of the Fire Commissioner
• First Nations’ Emergency Services Society
Visit the additional resources page for activity booklets, lesson plans, fire chief-for-a-day entry forms, and articles.
KEITH LACEY
Osoyoos Times
