The Town of Drumheller Fire Department is teaming up with the National Fire Protection Association® (NFPA®)—the official sponsor of Fire Prevention Week (FPW^TM)  for more than 100 years—to promote this year’s FPW campaign, “Smoke alarms: Make them work for you!^TM” The campaign educates everyone about the importance of working smoke alarms in the home.

According to NFPA, smoke alarms reduce the risk of dying in a home fire by more than half (54 percent). Meanwhile, roughly three out of five fire deaths happen in homes with either no smoke alarms or no working smoke alarms.

“Smoke alarms serve as the first line of defence in a home fire, but they need to be working to protect people,” said Lorraine Carli, vice president of outreach and advocacy at NFPA. “This year’s Fire Prevention Week campaign helps better educate the public about simple but critical steps they can take to ensure their homes have smoke alarms in all the needed locations and that they’re working properly.”

The Town of Drumheller Fire Department encourages all residents to support the 2024 FPW theme, “Smoke alarms actively: Make them work for you!” “Working smoke alarms can make a life-saving difference in a home fire, giving people the time to get out safely,” said Drumheller’s Fire Chief Derian Rosario. “This year’s Fire Prevention Week campaign is a great way to remind everyone about these messages and to act on them.”

The Town of Drumheller Fire Department offers these key smoke alarm safety tips and guidelines:

• Install smoke alarms in every bedroom, outside each separate sleeping area (like a hallway), and on each level (including the basement) of the home.
• Make sure smoke alarms meet the needs of all family members, including those with sensory or physical disabilities.
• Test smoke alarms at least once a month by pushing the test button.
• Replace all smoke alarms when they are 10 years old.

The Town of Drumheller Fire Department is hosting an open house at the Drumheller Fire Hall (224 Centre Street) on Saturday, October 12, from 10:00am – 3:00pm. This family-friendly event features cake, hot dogs, demonstrations from the Fire Department, and various other activities.