Learn the sounds of fire safety this Fire Prevention Week
Fire Prevention Week takes place from October 3 to 9, 2021
This Fire Prevention Week, the BC Professional Fire Fighters’ Burn Fund is urging the public to learn the different sounds of fire safety, check the batteries on smoke and carbon monoxide alarms and practice their home escape plan. “Fire Prevention Week is a great opportunity for the public to get better acquainted with the sounds of fire safety and to have important conversations with their loved ones about what to do when an alarm sounds,” says Gayanne Pacholzuk, Prevention Coordinator with the BC Professional Fire Fighters’ Burn Fund.
“Today’s home fires burn hotter and faster than ever before and can leave less than two minutes to escape. That’s why it’s so important to recognize the sounds of fire safety.” To promote this theme to children across BC, the Burn Fund has once again partnered with the Office of the Fire Commissioner and other fire service partners to host a fire prevention poster and video contest. The contest offers students from kindergarten to Grade 12 the opportunity to learn more about fire prevention and win fantastic prizes. The goal of the contest is to educate the next generation on the topic of fire prevention, helping to save lives and prevent painful burn injuries. The deadline to enter is October 22, 2021 with more information available at www.gov.bc.ca/FirePreventionWeek.
Fire Prevention Week Tips:
1. Know the different sounds of smoke and carbon monoxide alarms and what to do when an alarm sounds to keep you and your family safe. When an alarm makes noises – a beeping sound or a chirping sound – take immediate action.
2. A continuous set of loud beeps—beep, beep, beep—means the presence of smoke, fire or carbon monoxide. Get out, call 9-1-1 or your local emergency number, and stay out.
3. A single chirp every 30 or 60 seconds means the battery in the alarm is low and must be changed. All smoke and carbon monoxide alarms must be replaced after 10 years, or when chirping continues after the batteries have been replaced.
4. Make sure your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms meet the needs of all your household members, including those with sensory or physical disabilities. Learn more at burnfund.org and follow the Burn Fund at @BCBurnFund.
About the Burn Fund: Established in 1978 by the BC Professional Fire Fighters’ Association, the Burn Fund is supported by more than 4,000 professional fire fighters from 53 communities in BC and the Yukon. These fire fighters donate their time and skills to support burn survivors. They also work to increase the public’s knowledge about fire and burn prevention. The Burn Fund Executive and Board of Directors are represented by professional fire fighters, medical staff, and volunteers from across BC.
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