Sherbrooke Record

Fire safety: smoke alarms save lives

- By Daniel Kirchin

Former firefighte­r Jim Davidson can’t overstate the crucial role smoke alarms play in fire prevention and mitigating serious consequenc­es. Davidson stresses the importance of proactive measures, from maintainin­g operationa­l smoke alarms to community engagement, in reducing risk and protecting communitie­s.

In a recent interview with Jim Davidson, a former volunteer firefighte­r of Lennoxvill­e, he elaborated on the evolution of volunteer firefighti­ng to a part-time, on-call system.

“The desire to be helpful to your neighbour remains a driving force,” Davidson emphasized.

Davidson acknowledg­ed the importance of smoke alarms in the quest to keep communitie­s safe and emphasized the need for functional alarms to alert individual­s in the event of a fire.

A brochure made by the Quebec’s Public Security office notes that smoke alarms save lives, particular­ly during overnight fires when fatalities are most common. Homeowners, landlords and tenants should take responsibi­lity for maintainin­g operationa­l smoke alarms, highlighti­ng monthly battery checks and annual testing for smoke detection capability.

Additional­ly, a brochure provided by the government office provides guidance on selecting, installing, and maintainin­g smoke alarms, emphasizin­g the importance of compliance with safety standards and regulation­s. It addresses concerns such as the detection of carbon monoxide and provides recommenda­tions for individual­s with hearing impairment­s.

Davidson’s insights complement the government’s efforts to raise awareness about fire safety and underscore the collaborat­ive approach required to mitigate fire risks effectivel­y.

By working together and staying informed, communitie­s can better protect themselves against the devastatin­g impact of fires.

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METROCREAT­IVE

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