‘Don’t Wait, Check the Date’
Welland, ON – Fire Prevention Week is October 9 – 15, 2016, and Welland Fire and Emergency Services reminds everyone to check their smoke alarms. “The theme of Fire Prevention Week this year is ‘Don’t Wait, Check the Date’ of your smoke alarms,” says Brian Kennedy, Fire Chief. “Smoke alarms don’t last forever. They wear out over time and need to be replaced within the time frame indicated by the manufacturer, which is usually 10 years.”
The date of manufacture is indicated on the back of the smoke alarm and the expiry date is taken from that date. While smoke alarms typically last 10 years, some have different expiry time frames. Check the manufacturer’s instructions for the expiry time frame of your smoke alarms.
Welland Fire and Emergency Services also reminds you that smoke alarms are required on every storey of your home and outside all sleeping areas. Test all of your smoke alarms monthly by pushing the test button on the alarm, and replace batteries at least once a year or when the alarm’s low battery signal begins to chirp.
Welland Fire and Emergency Services staff will be at the Canadian Tire store at 158 Primeway Drive on Thursday, October 13 from 2 pm to 7 pm in support of Fire Prevention Week – drop by and we will be happy to answer any question related to fire safety.
For more information about Fire Prevention Week and fire safety, visit welland.ca or the Office of the Fire Marshal and Emergency Management at ontario.ca/firemarshal
