October 6 to 12 is Fire Prevention Week across North America, a good time to learn about home fire safety. This year's theme, Smoke alarms: Make them work for you, highlights the importance of having working smoke alarms in every home.
Yukoners can take simple steps to keep themselves and loved ones safe from fires at home.
- Install smoke alarms in every bedroom, outside each separate sleeping area, like a hallway, and on each level of the home, including the basement.
- 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 smoke alarms every 10 years.
- Learn the sound of your smoke alarm. Make sure everyone knows that when the smoke alarm sounds, it’s time to get out and call 911.
The Yukon Fire Marshal’s Office, municipal and volunteer fire departments will be visiting communities and schools this fall and winter to discuss fire safety and share fire safety materials with Yukoners of all ages.
For more information, visit the Government of Yukon Fire Prevention Week webpage.
This year’s Fire Prevention Week helps Yukoners understand the simple but critical steps to fire safety. I urge all Yukoners to make sure their homes have smoke alarms in all the needed locations and that they’re working properly. Thank you to the fire departments across the territory working hard this week and throughout the year to keep Yukoners safe and informed.
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Yukon homes are legally required to have working smoke alarms. Yukon homes with an attached garage or fuel burning appliance are legally required to have carbon monoxide detectors.
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In rental accommodations, it is the owner’s responsibility to provide smoke alarms and, if required, carbon monoxide alarms.
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According to the National Fire Protection Association, smoke alarms reduce the risk of dying in a home fire by more than half (54 per cent).
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Meanwhile, roughly three out of five fire deaths happen in homes with either no smoke alarms or no working smoke alarms.
Laura Seeley
Cabinet Communications
867-332-7627
laura.seeley@yukon.ca
Wayne Potoroka
Director, Community Services
867-332-9427
wayne.potoroka@yukon.ca