Along with firefighters and safety advocates nationwide, Chestermere Fire Services is joining forces with the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) during Fire Prevention Week to focus on reminding residents of the importance of working smoke detectors.

“We’d like to remind all residents to check their smoke detectors,” said Chestermere Fire Services Captain Brent Paquette. “If your smoke detector is more than seven years old, it’s time to replace it.”

Smoke alarms save lives. According to the NFPA, having a working smoke alarm cuts the chances of dying in a reported fire in half.

CFS would particularly like to encourage residents who experienced any water damage to their ceilings this summer to check their smoke detectors to ensure they are working properly.

“If any water came through your ceiling it may have affected the wiring or function of your smoke detectors,” said Paquette. “Be sure to check it and replace it if you have any concerns.”

If you have any questions about your smoke alarm, its location or wiring, Chestermere Fire Services will speak with you or do a home visit. Contact them at 403-272-9878 for more information.

Things to know about your smoke detectors:

• Install smoke alarms outside the sleeping area and on every level of the home including the basement.
• Interconnect all smoke alarms throughout the home. This way when one sounds, they all do.• Test alarms at least monthly by pushing the test button.
• Smoke detectors have a life span of seven years.• Vacuum the cover of the alarm regularly as dust can collect and hinder its ability to detect smoke.

For more facts, and to see what the Chestermere Firefighters have to say about fire safety, visit the City of Chestermere’s Facebook page during Fire Prevention Week October 4 - 10 www.chestermere.ca/facebook