Time to check your smoke alarms

Every smoke alarm has an expiration date – what’s yours?

October is fire prevention month and on that note, Prince George Fire Rescue Service is urging all Prince George residents to know how old their smoke alarms are and to replace them every 10 years.

According to a survey conducted by the National Fire Protection Association, only a small percentage of people know how old their smoke alarms are,or how often they need to be replaced.

That lack of awareness is a concern because smoke alarms don’t last forever.

“Time and again, I’ve seen the life-saving impact smoke alarms can have in a home fire, but I’ve also seen the tragedy that can result when smoke alarms aren’t working properly,” said chief fire prevention officer Marcel Profeit.

“That’s why we’re making a concerted effort to educate Prince George residents about the overall importance of smoke alarms and that they do have a life limit.”

The National Fire Alarm Code requires smoke alarms be replaced at least every 10 years, but because the public is generally unaware of this requirement, many homes have smoke alarms past their expiration date, putting people at increased risk.

To find out how old your smoke alarm is and its expiration date, simply look on the back of the alarm where the date of manufacture is marked. The smoke alarm should be replaced 10 years from that date – not the date of purchase.

Smoke alarms should be tested monthly and batteries should be replaced once a year or when they begin to chirp, signaling that they’re running low.

For more information visit the NFPA website at www.firepreventionweek.org, or the B.C. Office of the Fire Commissioner at www2.gov.bc.ca .