Port Moody Fire Rescue is launching a home safety program to check smoke alarms and identify potential hazards.
The fire department, along with Port Moody Fire Fighters Local 2399 and the city, is hoping the one-year pilot program improves public safety, particularly for seniors, people with disabilities and individuals considered at higher risk.
A report by the National Fire Protection Association shows that although a working smoke alarm cuts in half the chance of dying in a fire, nearly two thirds of home fire deaths are in homes with non-working or no smoke alarms.
"Smoke alarms save lives," said PoMo Fire Chief Remo Faedo in a press release. "If there's a fire in your home, you need smoke alarms to provide early detection to give you enough time to get out."
Faedo said nobody will be turned away but efforts are being targeted to those who need help the most.
The program is being funded in part by the Charles Judd Fund, which was bequeathed to Local 2399 by the longtime resident.
"We're happy to be a partner in this important public safety initiative," said Dave Piffer, the union local president. "Crews will install smoke alarms and replace batteries as needed."
Individuals can sign up for a free home safety check, in which fire crews will point out potential hazards and offer advice on how to make homes safer, by visiting www.portmoody.ca/hsp or calling 604-469-7795.
