The theme for this year’s Fire Prevention Week (October 3 – 9) is “Learn the Sounds of Safety”.

Prevention techniques are your first line of defence against fires or carbon monoxide, however you must have and maintain your alarms! This year for Fire Prevention Week, the Corner Brook Fire Department is encouraging residents to stay safe with the following alarm-related tips.

SMOKE ALARMS

• A continued set of three loud beeps—beep, beep, beep—means smoke or fire. Get out, call 9-1-1, and stay out.
• A single “chirp” every 30 or 60 seconds means the battery is low and must be changed.
• All smoke alarms must be replaced after 10 years.
• Chirping that continues after the battery has been replaced means the alarm is at the end of its life and the unit must be replaced.

CARBON MONOXIDE (CO) ALARMS

• A continuous set of four loud beeps—beep, beep, beep, beep—means carbon monoxide is present in your home. Go outside, call 9-1-1 and stay out.
• A single chirp every 30 or 60 seconds means the battery is low and must be replaced.
• CO alarms also have “end of life” sounds that vary by manufacturer. This means it’s time to get a new CO alarm.
• Chirping that continues after the battery has been replaced means the alarm is at the end of its life and the unit must be replaced.

You should also make sure alarms and homes meet the needs of everyone, including those with sensory or physical disabilities.

• Install a bedside alert device that responds to the sound of the smoke and CO alarms. Use of a low frequency alarm can also wake a sleeping person with mild to severe hearing loss.
• Sleep with your mobility device, glasses, and phone close to your bed.
• Keep pathways like hallways lit with night lights and free from clutter to make sure everyone can get out safely.

During Fire Prevention Week, members of the Corner Brook Fire Department will be conducting community visits to educate residents about this initiative and hand out prizes. Keep an eye out for them at the parking lots of your local shopping centres! Masks must be worn and physical distancing maintained at all times