Fire prevention week focuses on protecting what is truly important in our lives
To the Expositor:
An important fire safety program is in place on Manitoulin and communities across Ontario throughout Fire Prevention Week, October 5-11, and extending over the entire month. I am writing to make all parents aware of the initiative and how they can help.
Fire departments are working with teachers to educate children about the importance of properly functioning and installed smoke alarms. Watch for “Test and Replace Your Smoke Alarm” homework kit in your child’s backpack, which includes a home fire escape plan and “Test and Replace” fire safety checklist. The packages are designed to work in tandem with the website www.safeathome.ca/testandreplace.
It is critical to know that working smoke alarms installed correctly throughout your home double the chances of surviving a catastrophic house fire.
To ensure your families safety from fire, you must test your smoke alarms monthly to confirm they are in proper working order. Smoke alarm batteries must be replaced with fresh ones at least once per year. Also, smoke alarms do not last forever. If your smoke alarm is more than 10 years old it must be replaced. Outdated alarms might not provide the protection you count on. Some new models feature 10-year lithium batteries which never need to be changed and last the full life of the alarm.
Please be fire safe and ‘Test and Replace Your Smoke Alarms’ this Fire Prevention Week.
Sincerely, Tadeusz (Ted) Wieclawek Ontario Fire Marshal
