CENTRE WELLINGTON – The fire service here has a unique way to remind homeowners to check their smoke alarms and CO detectors.
They are sending birthday cards to the 10-year-old homes in the area with a gentle reminder that smoke alarms generally have a 10-year shelf life and it’s wise to check and replace equipment that has expired.
“We heard of a similar program in another community and were all over it,” said deputy fire chief Jason Benn, of the fire prevention, public education and investigations division.
“It’s an important fire prevention message. And it’s nice to get a good thing in the mail.”
Benn said the message to replace smoke alarm batteries when you change your clocks is one that has gained some traction over the years.
But smoke alarms in newer homes are generally hard-wired to the house and people don’t often think about them.
So they looked at data and determined the subdivisions built 10 years ago and mailed out the birthday cards last week.
Benn said there should be a sticker on the smoke alarm with the expiry date. If it’s past its prime, replace it, he said.
“A lot of people don’t think about it. We hope this will jog their memory,” he said.
Most of the 10-year-old homes are in Elora, he said. Next year the majority will be in Fergus. That’s just the way the subdivisions were constructed.
And this program focuses on single-detached homes.
But every home must have a smoke alarm and it’s up to the homeowner to make sure it’s in working order.
So no matter the age of your home, if it’s rented or owned, single detached or townhouse or apartment, check your smoke alarm and replace it if it’s expired.
“Smoke alarms save lives,” Benn said. “We’re trying a different way to communicate, more positive and pro-active.”
