Municipal Affairs
October 7, 2016

Promoting Fire Safety to Residents

Minister Joyce Highlights the Importance of Smoke Alarms for 2016 Fire Prevention Week

The Department of Municipal Affairs, Fire and Emergency Services reminds residents that October 9-15 is Fire Prevention Week. This year's theme is "Don't Wait - Check the Date! Replace Smoke Alarms Every 10 Years."

"Time and time again we've seen the life-saving impact smoke alarms can have in a home fire, but we've also seen the tragedy that can result when individuals disregard the law about smoke alarms or do not replace their batteries regularly. This Fire Prevention Week, I encourage all Newfoundlanders and Labradorian to make a concentrated effort to check their smoke alarms to ensure they are working properly, and talk to family and friends about fire safety and home escape planning."
- The Honourable Eddie Joyce, Minister of Municipal Affairs

In this province, the Fire Protection Services Act regulations require that all dwellings, including homes, cabins and cottages, must have a working smoke alarm in every bedroom and on each level of the structure.

To find out how old a smoke alarm is and its expiration date, simply look on the back of the alarm where the date of manufacture is marked. The smoke alarm should be replaced 10 years from that date. Alarms should also be tested monthly, and batteries should be replaced once a year or when they begin to chirp, signaling that they're running low.

For more information on smoke alarms and this year's Fire Prevention Week campaign, visit www.firepreventionweek.org .

QUICK FACTS

• Throughout Newfoundland and Labrador, October 9-15, 2016, is Fire Prevention Week.
• This year's theme is "Don't Wait � Check the Date! Replace Smoke Alarms Every 10 Years."
• Residents are reminded that provincial legislation requires all dwellings to have a working smoke alarm on all levels of the structure, and in every bedroom.
• Additional Fire Prevention Week safety messages can be found at www.firepreventionweek.org .

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Media contact:

Bradley Power Manager of Media Relations Department of Municipal Affairs 709-729-0857, 690-1810 bradleypower@gov.nl.ca

2016 10 07            2:40 p.m.