Initiative designed to raise awareness of importance of working smoke and carbon monoxide alarms in the home
In support of Fire Prevention Week 2020, members of Port Hope Fire and Emergency Services plan to personally deliver information about smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) alarms to homes in the Municipality of Port Hope, October 4 to 10, 2020.
“Smoke and CO alarms are extremely important life saving devices, and while the installation of these alarms has been Ontario law for several years, we still come across homes that have missing or inoperative alarms,” notes Fire Chief C. Ryan Edgar, Director of Fire and Emergency Services. “We want residents to make sure they have working alarms in their homes as the alarms provide an early warning of smoke or CO in the home, giving people a chance to escape and survive.”
On the evening of Tuesday, October 6, firefighters will be leaving information cards and a questionnaire at many homes in Port Hope. The questionnaire asks four questions about smoke and CO alarms. Residents are encouraged to complete and submit their questionnaire for a chance to win a local dining card. If firefighters are not able to visit your home, the questionnaire is available online at porthopefire.ca.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, firefighters will not be entering homes; however, firefighters are happy to answer questions about fire safety and prevention while maintaining proper physical distancing.
“We welcome any opportunity to educate the public and assist residents and business owners with fire safety,” continues Chief Edgar, who encourages questions from residents on smoke alarms, CO alarms, home escape plans or other fire related concerns. “Our main objective is to reach as many residents as possible and to encourage anyone who has questions to reach out to us directly.”
Residents may also request a personalized fire safety check visit by contacting the Fire and Emergency Department at 905-753-2230, or by email at FPrevention@porthopefire.ca.
Ontario law requires that working smoke alarms are located on every story of the home and outside all sleeping areas. CO alarms are required outside all sleeping areas where the home has a fuel burning appliance or an attached garage.
The Office of the Fire Marshal reports that in 50 percent of preventable home fire situations, there was no smoke alarm present. In 27 percent of fatal fires where smoke alarms were present, the smoke alarm did not operate. Smoke and CO alarms should be tested once a month and batteries replaced every year. Smoke alarms do not last forever, and the unit must be replaced if they are more than 10 years old. CO alarms must be replaced within the time frame indicated by the manufacturer.
For more information about fire safety, visit www.porthopefire.ca or contact the Fire Administration Office, 245 Ontario Street, Port Hope 905-753-2230.
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
