Learn the sounds of fire safety
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Vaughan Fire and Rescue Service marks Fire Prevention Week
Do you know the difference between the various sounds your smoke
and carbon monoxide alarms make? Knowing what to do when an alarm makes a noise
– a beep or a chirp – will help keep you and your family safe.
Today marks the
beginning of Fire Prevention Week and provides an opportunity for Vaughan Fire
and Rescue Service (VFRS) to share vital fire safety information with the
community and encourage families to practise fire safety. This year's theme is "Learn the Sounds of Fire Safety!"
Knowing what to do when an alarm sounds will help keep you and your
family safe:
- A continuous beeping or steady tones means there is an emergency, and you should get out, call 9-1-1 and stay out.
- A single chirp every 30 or 60 seconds, or a series of three rapid beeps, means the battery is low and must be changed.
- Chirping that continues after switching the battery means the alarm is at the end of its life and must be replaced.
VFRS is also reminding citizens about the following safety tips:
- Install up-to-date smoke and carbon monoxide alarms that meet Underwriters Laboratories of Canada standards on every level of your home and outside bedrooms.
- Change batteries annually and test all alarms at least once a month. Press the test button to be sure the alarm is working.
- Remember: carbon monoxide alarms expire every five to 10 years, while smoke alarms expire every 10 years. All alarms have a date of manufacture on them.
- Use interconnected smoke alarms – when one smoke alarm sounds, they all sound.
- Use special alarms and devices for those who are hard of hearing or deaf – these include alarms with strobe lights and bed shakers.
As part
of Fire Prevention Week, the City will be launching a brand new series of fire
safety videos on its corporate social channels throughout the week. Visit vaughan.ca/SocialMedia to ensure you don’t
miss out.
VFRS’s Fire Prevention Week activities reflect the
City of Vaughan’s commitment to fostering active, safe and diverse communities
that ensure the safety and well-being of citizens, as outlined in the 2018-2022 Term of Council Service Excellence Strategic Plan.
Created
by the National Fire Prevention Association to commemorate the Great Chicago
Fire of 1871, Fire Prevention Week is a time to promote fire prevention and
educate the community about fire safety.
For updates
and news as they happen, subscribe to Vaughan News and follow
the official corporate channels on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.
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