As Fire Prevention Week™ approaches, Waterloo Fire Rescue reminds residents to Learn the Sounds of Fire Safety™

Waterloo Fire Rescue is teaming up with the National Fire Protection Association® (NFPA) – the official sponsor of Fire Prevention Weekfor more than 90 years – to promote this year’s Fire Prevention Week^TM campaign, Learn the Sounds of Fire Safety ^TM. 

“What do the sounds mean? Is there a beep or a chirp coming out of your smoke or carbon monoxide alarm? Knowing the difference can save you, your home, and your family,” says Lorraine Carli, vice-president of outreach and advocacy at NFPA. 

This year’s campaign runs from October 3 – 9, and aims to educate everyone about simple but important actions they can take to keep themselves and those around them safe. 

“It’s important to learn the different sounds of smoke and carbon monoxide alarms. When an alarm makes noise – a beeping sound or a chirping sound – you must take action!” says Fire Chief Richard Hepditch. “Make sure everyone in the home understands the sounds of the alarms and knows how to respond. Check the manufacturer’s instructions that came in the box to learn the sounds of your specific smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, or search the brand and model online,” adds Hepditch.

Waterloo Fire Rescue shares these safety tips to help you Learn the Sounds of Fire Safety: 

• A continuous set of three loud beeps – beep, beep, beep – means smoke or fire. Get out, call 9-1-1, and stay out.
• A single chirp every 30 or 60 seconds means the battery is low and must be changed.
• All smoke alarms must be replaced after 10 years.
• Chirping that continues after the battery has been replaced means the alarm is at the end of its life and the unit must be replaced.
• Make sure your smoke and CO alarms meet the needs of all your family members, including those with sensory or physical disabilities.
  
  

We encourage residents and community members to participate in these Fire Prevention Week^TM events to learn more:

1. October 5 – a webinar with Canadian Hearing Services on fire safety for Deaf and hard of hearing individuals
2. October 7 – a virtual presentation with the City of Waterloo Museum on fire safety for children in Grades 3 & 4
3. October 7 – a virtual presentation with the City of Waterloo Museum as part of the “Discovering the fire station” series
4. Tune in to Rogers TV KW Channel 20 “First Response” show

For more information on Fire Prevention Week^TM, visit fpw.org. For more information on fire & life safety, please visit us at waterloo.ca/fire or @Waterloo_Fire

Media contact:

John Percy

Public Education Officer

Waterloo Fire Rescue

Phone: 519-884-6030 ext. 23309

Email: John.Percy@waterloo.ca

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