The Regional District of Nanaimo wants you to have working smoke alarms this fire prevention week.
The district says the theme this year is called Smoke Alarms: Make them work for you. It looks to educate everyone about how important it is to have a working smoke alarm, with the National Fire Protection Association saying three out of five deaths happen in homes that either have no alarms or no working ones.
To keep you safe, the district has tips for smoke alarms.
“Install smoke alarms in every bedroom, outside each separate sleeping area (like a hallway) and on each level (including the basement) of the home,” said the District.
“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.”
Along with these tips, they add to stay safe from a fire, make sure you have a home escape plan practiced by everyone at least twice a year, sleep with your bedroom door closed to limit fire spreading, and to inspect and clean your chimney annually.
For this prevention week, several fire departments will hold events for free to teach you how to lower deaths and injuries from fires, with children to get demonstrations and activities.
This includes the Nanoose Volunteer fire department showing third graders a fire attack and rescue demonstration at the firehall on October 9, and an open house by the Coombs-Hilliers fire department on October 5.
The open house will take place at Fire Hall number 2 at 3241 Alberni Highway, Qualicum Beach, running from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Fire Prevention Week runs October 6 to 12.
