As Fire Prevention Week approaches, the fire departments in the Comox Valley are teaming up with the National Fire Protection Association to educate people on the importance of having working smoke alarms in the house.

According to NFPA, smoke alarms reduce the risk of dying in a home fire by more than half (54 percent). Roughly three out of five fire deaths happen in homes with either no smoke alarms or no working smoke alarms.

鈥淪moke alarms serve as the first line of defense in a home fire, but they need to be working in order to protect people,鈥� said Lorraine Carli, vice president of outreach and advocacy at NFPA. 鈥淭his year鈥檚 Fire Prevention Week campaign helps better educate the public about simple but critical steps they can take to make sure their homes have smoke alarms in all the needed locations and that they鈥檙e working properly.鈥�

鈥淲orking smoke alarms can make a life-saving difference in a home fire, giving people the time to get out safely,鈥� added Assistant Fire Chief Jim Lariviere, Chair Comox Valley Fire Chiefs Association. 鈥淭his year鈥檚 Fire Prevention Week campaign is a great way to remind everyone about these messages and to act on them.鈥�

Comox Valley Fire Departments offer these key smoke alarm safety tips and guidelines:
- Install smoke alarms in every bedroom, outside each separate sleeping area (like a hallway), and on each level (including the basement) of the home.
- Make sure smoke alarms meet the needs of all family members, including those with sensory or physical disabilities.
- Test smoke alarms at least once a month by pushing the test button.
- Replace all smoke alarms when they are 10 years old.

Local fire departments are hosting a series of events this year in support of the campaign, including open houses.

To find out more about FPW programs and activities in the Comox Valley, please contact your local Fire Department. For more information about Fire Prevention Week and smoke alarms, visit fpw.org.