Editor, The Times:
An important fire safety program is in place in communities across British Columbia throughout Fire Prevention Week Oct. 5-11, 2014, and extending over the entire month.
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 family's safety from fire, you must test your smoke alarms monthly.
Smoke alarm batteries must be replaced with fresh ones at least once per year. Also, if your smoke alarm is more than 10 years old, it must be replaced. Some new models feature 10-year lithium batteries that 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.
Gordon Anderson
Fire Commissioner
Emergency Management BC