On Thursday, September 28th, 2023, Sault Fire Services is helping launch a provincial wide campaign; the ‘Saved by the Beep’ smoke alarm safety campaign to help keep residents safe.
Last year there were 133 fire fatalities in the province – the most in 20 years. Research shows that having a working smoke alarm can provide crucial early fire warnings, giving individuals and families the precious seconds needed to escape safely. Saved by the Beep is a province wide initiative that encourages residents to test their smoke alarms, along with learning more about fire safety and home fire escape planning which can save lives.
Coincidently, the ‘Saved by the Beep’ campaign lands on the last day of the Sault Ste. Marie Fire Services ‘In-Service Door To Door Smoke & CO Alarm Program’. Crews will be out for their last night of In-Service handing out pamphlets supporting the Saved by the Beep initiative, while at the same time testing smoke alarms and giving valuable information to residents.
“Our top priority is ensuring the safety of our community members,” said Public Education Officer Aaron Gravelle. “Through the Saved by the Beep campaign and our In-Service Door to Door Program, Sault Fire Services continues to educate residents to take proactive steps in fire prevention.”
Sault Fire is encouraging everyone to test their alarms on September 28th to support safety in the community, while at the same time capping off a successful 2023 In-Service Program.
Along with safety, it’s important to remember that having properly working smoke alarms in your home is also the law. Residents can avoid fines or charges by testing their smoke alarms and replacing the batteries regularly.
Saved by the Beep fire safety tips:
- Test smoke alarms monthly: Regularly test your smoke alarms to ensure they are in working order.
- Change batteries annually or as needed: Change the batteries in your smoke alarms at least once a year.
- Install smoke alarms correctly: Place smoke alarms on every level of your home, in each bedroom, and outside sleeping areas.
- Smoke alarms don’t last forever. Check the date on the back of alarms to ensure they have not expired. Replace smoke alarms according to manufacturer’s instructions.
- Create a fire escape plan: Develop and practice a fire escape plan with your family, identifying two ways out of every room.
For more information about fire safety and the Saved by the Beep campaign visit www.savedbythebeep.ca and www.saultstemarie.ca/firesafe .
