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October 7, 2024
Fire Prevention Week returns across North America and Edmonton Fire Rescue Services reminds all that it takes a working smoke alarm to save lives.
“623 residential fires in Edmonton last year caused an estimated $63.1 million in damages,” said Tiffany Edgecombe, Deputy Fire Chief of Community Safety & Risk. “In Edmonton’s 1,362 high-risk fires last year, including in 265 residential properties, smoke alarms were not found 45 per cent of the time.”
Edmontonians are urged to maintain working smoke alarms in their homes. This can be done by testing these alarms monthly, changing batteries at least once per year, and replacing both hardwired and battery-operated devices entirely every ten years.
“A working smoke alarm is your first line of defence if there is a fire in your home,” added Deputy Chief Edgecombe. “Well-maintained smoke alarms not only alert you and your loved ones to quickly get to safety, but present more time for emergency responders to be notified, arrive at the scene, and protect as much property as possible.”
Edmonton Fire Rescue Services encourages the following safety practices to create fire-safe homes and neighbourhoods:
- Have working smoke alarms on all levels of your home, especially outside of bedrooms.
- Test smoke alarms each month by pressing and holding the test button.
- Change smoke alarm batteries at least once per year.
- Replace all smoke alarms, both hardwired and battery-operated, every ten years.
Throughout Fire Prevention Week, Edmonton’s fire prevention officers will be out in communities sharing further fire safety tips to help keep Edmontonians and their homes safe from fire hazards altogether. Learn more about home fire safety and where you can attend a public event at edmonton.ca/FirePreventionWeek.
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