Fire Prevention Week is coming up again throughout North America. The annual event will take place October 3–9, and this year’s theme is Learn the Sounds of Fire Safety.
“What this theme is focusing on is to have everyone in your home recognize the different sounds that alert us to a fire or carbon monoxide emergency,” says Keith Bueckert, Niverville’s fire chief. “Now, not all noises that come from a smoke or carbon monoxide alarm are emergencies. Some of the sounds are warning us of a low battery or defective alarm. Instructions for periodic beeps can be found on the back of the alarms and let you know what could be the problem.”
He reminds people that if they’re unsure whether an alarm should be replaced, the guideline is to replace them every ten years.
Niverville Fire and Emergency Services does have a few lithium battery smoke alarms on hand. Bueckert says that these alarms are meant for houses that utilize battery alarms.
“When a smoke or carbon monoxide alarm does go off and is alerting us of an emergency in our home, we need to act fast and remain calm,” he adds. “Studies show that we have around 90 seconds to exit our home in a fire situation. Having a practiced home escape plan can make all the difference. Knowing how to get out of our homes with two ways out of bedrooms and practicing is important. Please take the time to sit down with your family members and draw up a plan and practice it. Test alarms in your home—and if you have battery-operated alarms, this is a perfect time to change them.”
The fire department in Niverville will once again work with Niverville Elementary School to get the Fire Prevention Week message out to all students between Kindergarten and Grade Four. A contest will be held, with prizes available.
“Niverville Fire also wants to reach out and make sure our home-schooled students are not missing out,” Bueckert says. “If your child is attending school from home this year, contact us.”
One thing that will be different this year is that, due to pandemic considerations, there will not be an annual open house at the fire hall. But Bueckert wants to assure residents of the town that the moment they are able to open their doors again, they will.
