National Fire Prevention Week

National Fire Prevention Week is October 3-9, 2021. This years’ campaign, “Learn the Sounds of Fire Safety”, works to educate everyone about simple but important actions they can take to keep themselves and those around them safe.

“What do the sounds mean? Is there a beep or a chirp coming out of your smoke or carbon monoxide alarm? Knowing the difference can save you, your home, and your family,” said Lorraine Carli, vice-president of outreach and advocacy at the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).

“It’s important to learn the different sounds of smoke and carbon monoxide alarms. When an alarm makes noise—a beeping sound or a chirping sound—you must take action!” said Chilliwack River Valley Fire Department chief Mike Danyluk. “Make sure everyone in the home understands the sounds of the alarms and knows how to respond. To learn the sounds of your specific smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, check the manufacturer’s instructions that came in the box, or search the brand and model online.”

Safety tips to help you “Learn the Sounds of Fire Safety”

• A continuous set of three loud beeps — beep, beep, beep — means smoke or fire. Get out, call 9-1-1, and stay out.
• A single chirp every 30 or 60 seconds means the battery is low and must be changed. 
• All smoke alarms must be replaced after 10 years.
• Chirping that continues after the battery has been replaced means the alarm is at the end of its life and the unit must be replaced.
• Make sure your smoke and CO alarms meet the needs of all your family members, including those with sensory or physical disabilities.

Join Us! Become a Volunteer Firefighter

The FVRD provides fire protection to electoral area residents through seven volunteer fire departments and encourages all residents to embrace the 2021 Fire Prevention Week theme. We appreciate the dedication and work of the 166 volunteer firefighters who keep our residents and communities safe.

We need volunteer firefighters in our communities. We rely heavily on our volunteers to assist with fire protection in the small rural communities of our electoral areas. Volunteer firefighters are your neighbours, your co-workers and your friends. They are caring and dedicated individuals who are prepared to come to your aid when called. If you're interested in exploring this exciting and rewarding opportunity further, apply today!

To find out more about Fire Prevention Week programs and activities in the FVRD please contact your local fire department. If you live in one of the FVRD’s electoral areas, you can find contact information for the fire departments at fvrd.ca/fire.

For more information about Fire Prevention Week and fire prevention in general, visit fpw.org.