Next week, Oct. 9 to 15, marks the 100th anniversary of Fire Prevention Week — an annual event that encourages local residents to be prepared if and when a house fire occurs.
In Port Coquitlam, local firefighters are taking an extra step to ensure safety for all, including those who may not have access to additional sources that could ultimately save their lives.
PoCo Fire and Emergency Services are offering free smoke alarms to those considered most vulnerable in the community to mark the century season of awareness.
Fire prevention officers are set to assess a qualified person's home to determine where the alarm(s) will be installed or to test any existing ones.
According to the city, smoke alarm installation increases the chance of surviving a home fire by 50 per cent.
"Today's homes burn faster than ever and you may have as little as two minutes (or even less time) to safely escape a home fire from the time the smoke alarm sounds," reads a PoCo news release.
"The ability to get out of a home during a fire depends on early warning from smoke alarms and advance planning."
The Tri-Cities is currently under high-to-extreme fire danger ratings from unseasonably warm weather for the month of October.
Three known suspected human-caused wildfires have been parked across the region since last Saturday (Oct. 1) due to tinder-dry conditions.
This includes the 14-hectare blaze in Minnekhada Regional Park, which is now under control by the BC Wildfire Service along the Coquitlam-Port Coquitlam border.
The City of Port Coquitlam is offering the following tips for homeowners looking to plan their escape route in case of a fire:
- Make sure your plan meets the needs of all your household members, including those with sensory or physical disabilities
- Smoke alarms should be installed inside every sleeping room, outside each separate sleeping area and on every level of your home
- Smoke alarms should be interconnected so when one sounds, they all sound
- Know at least two ways out of every room, if possible
- Make sure all doors and windows open easily
- Have an outside meeting place a safe distance from your home where everyone should meet
- Practice your home fire drill at least twice a year with everyone in the household, including guests
- Practice at least once during the day and at night
- Check your smoke alarm and change batteries when required
As well, PoCo firefighters are set to conduct safety drills elementary school in order to convey the "Fire Won't Wait. Plan Your Escape!" theme to kids and youth for Fire Prevention Week.
Those that qualify and are interested in receiving a free smoke alarm are encouraged to apply via the City of Port Coquitlam's website.
