VICTORIA, BC — Serving as your nose when you’re asleep, working smoke alarms can mean the difference between the life and death of loved ones in the event of a house fire. The Victoria Fire Department is offering a free smoke alarm to residents who need one to ensure that every Victoria home has a working smoke alarm.
“One of the most effective ways to keep families safe from fire is to ensure they have a working smoke alarm in their home,” said Victoria Fire Chief Jeff Lambert. “The Victoria Fire Department is proud to be participating in a province-wide smoke alarm campaign that has the potential to reduce annual fire deaths by as much as 32 per cent.”
Victoria residents can arrange for a Fire Prevention Officer to visit their home to determine the best locations for a smoke alarm, install new alarms, or test existing ones. If a resident requires a new smoke alarm, they will be provided one free of charge. The free service is available to anyone who resides in the City of Victoria.
The Victoria Fire Department is also working with the Mustard Seed Food Bank and Ready to Rent BC, providing them with information that they can share with their clients on the installation and testing of smoke alarms in rental properties.
Research has shown that British Columbia’s most vulnerable populations, such as young children, seniors, people with disabilities, those who live in rental properties, and households in low-income areas, face the highest risk of dying in a residential fire. Data from the Office of the Fire Commissioner shows nearly 70 per cent of fires examined between 2006 and 2011 had no functioning smoke alarm.
In 2012, the Fire Chiefs Association of British Columbia and the Office of the Fire Commissioner launched a smoke alarm campaign to ensure that every home in the province has a working smoke alarm. A working smoking alarm is the most important appliance in a home. It is an early warning device that can lessen the loss of life and property. There should be at least one smoke alarm on every level of a home.
For more information on how to access this free service, contact the Victoria Fire Department at 250.920.3365, email bsifert@victoria.ca or visit: www.victoria.ca
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