Smoke Alarms: Make Them Work for You!

Fire Prevention Week (October 6-12, 2024) highlights the importance of people taking the time every October to learn about fire prevention and how to stay safe in case of a fire. This year’s Fire Prevention Week theme is: “Smoke alarms: Make them work for you!™”.  The 2024 campaign strives to educate everyone about the importance of having smoke alarms in the home.

Did you know that roughly 60% of home fire deaths happen in homes with no smoke alarms or no working smoke alarms? Fire moves fast, you may have less than two minutes to escape your home once the alarm sounds. Working smoke alarms cut the risk of dying in a home fire by more than half (54 per cent).

Key smoke alarm safety tips and guidelines:

• Install smoke alarms in every bedroom, outside each sleeping area, and on each level of your 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 stop responding when tested.
• Make a home fire escape plan and practice it at least two times a year. This way everyone knows what to do when the smoke alarm sounds and can get outside. 

If there is a fire:

• When the smoke alarm sounds, go to the outside meeting place and call 9-1-1.
• If there is smoke blocking the door, use your second planned way out.
• Smoke is poisonous, if you must escape through smoke get low and go under the smoke to your way outside.
• Before opening a door, feel the doorknob and then the door. If either is hot, leave the door closed and use your second way out.
• Open doors slowly and be ready to shut them if heavy smoke or fire is present.
• If you cannot get out, close the door and cover vents and cracks around the door with a cloth. Stay where you are and call 9-1-1. Tell the emergency operator where you are located.
• Never re-enter a burning building.

St. Albert Fire Services Open House!

Fire Services is inviting you to its annual Fire Prevention Week Open House at Fire Hall One! Join us to learn more about fire prevention and ask us questions while you tour our fire engines and ambulances. Kids will also enjoy a bouncy castle, fun activities, and a chance to apply to be a Fire Chief for a Day. Refreshments and hot dogs will be served.

Location: Fire Hall One (20 Gate Avenue)

Date: Saturday, October 12, 2024

Time: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Importance of Fire Prevention

Do you know how to safely escape a fire? Mere seconds can make all the difference during a fire. It is important for everyone in the community to pay attention during Fire Prevention Week and make sure that they understand how to stay safe in case of a fire. 

Questions?

St. Albert Fire Services is ready to respond to any emergency 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. The department's dedicated team of professionals saves lives and protects properties by responding quickly and effectively to suppress fires and to handle other emergency situations. If you have general inquiries regarding fire prevention, you can reach out to Fire Services at 780-418-6069.
 

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Related Pages

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Fire Prevention Tips ›

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