Working Smoke Alarms: A Critical Focus During Fire Prevention Week 2024 Fire Prevention Week 2024

Sparky the dog pointing with the words pay attention to fire prevention

Fire Prevention Week 2024 is October 6-12 and as it begins, the Bradford West Gwillimbury Fire Department issues an urgent call to action: ensure every home has working smoke alarms. With fire-related fatalities remaining at a high level since 2020, this year's theme, "Smoke Alarms: Make Them Work for You! ™," serves as a critical reminder that lives depend on it.

Following the success of last month's "Test Your Smoke Alarm Day," the Bradford West Gwillimbury Fire Department encourages residents to make fire safety a year-round habit. The reality is that most deadly fires happen in homes without working smoke alarms. It’s the law in Ontario to have a working smoke alarm on every story and outside all sleeping areas—don’t wait until it’s too late.

Sparky the fire dog with the words pay attention at the bottom

Residents should take the following actions to ensure their family's safety:

Install smoke alarms outside each sleeping area, and on every story of the home, including the basement.
Test smoke alarms monthly by pressing the test button.
Replace smoke alarm batteries at least once a year.
Replace any alarm that is over 10 years old or does not respond during testing.
Practice a home fire escape plan regularly to ensure everyone knows how to evacuate safely in an emergency.

"Working smoke alarms provide the early warning needed to escape a fire safely," said Bradford West Gwillimbury Fire Chief Michael Rozario. "Ensuring they are working can prevent tragedies and save lives."

Most deadly fires happen at night when families are asleep. In many cases, victims never wake up. A working smoke alarm may be the only thing standing between you and tragedy.

Ontarians are reminded that having working smoke alarms on every story of your home, along with a well-practiced home fire escape plan, is the best way to ensure your entire household is prepared to escape a fire in your home safely.

“Every working smoke alarm is a potential lifesaver. In a fire, seconds matter, and the early warning provided by these devices can be the difference between life and death.” – Ontario Fire Marshal, Jon Pegg

Follow along on social media channels this week as we share safety messages and tips about smoke alarms, as well as important care and maintenance information. Be sure to visit our website at http://www.townofbwg.com/fireprevention to learn more about fire prevention in BWG.