With Fire Prevention Week right around the corner, the GNWT and the Office of the Chief Fire Marshal are once again reminding Northerners of the importance of making sure their smoke detectors are working properly.
The theme for this year’s Fire Prevention Week is “Smoke Alarms: Make them work for you!” and works to inform homeowners of the important role they can play in keeping residents safe. From October 6th to the 12th, Northern residents are encouraged to make sure that their smoke detectors are correctly installed, working properly, and that everyone in the home is aware of a fire escape plan.
The Office of the Fire Marshal reminds residents that smoke alarms are required on every level of the home and outside sleeping areas. For added protection, install smoke alarms in every bedroom, which is a requirement for new residential developments under the 2020 National Building Code.
It is recommended that interconnected smoke alarms are used so that everyone in the home will hear the alarm once it sounds. Smoke alarms should be tested monthly, and have their batteries replaced once it starts to chirp. Entire alarms should be replaced once they are ten years old, and alarms with built-in batteries usually last for at least ten years.
Vince McKay, the Minister of Municipal and Community Affairs, said that he is “pleased to see the continued emphasis on fire safety in the Northwest Territories. Smoke alarms play an essential role in protecting families and communities, and this year’s Fire Prevention Week theme highlights their importance. I encourage everyone to take the necessary steps to promote fire safety, to ensure their alarms are working, to practice home fire escape plans with their families, and to consider working or volunteering with their local fire department to further support and protect NWT communities.”
During Fire Safety Week, the Office of the Fire Marshal will also be working with their partners and communities to help promote various fire safety initiatives.
