KAWARTHA LAKES-Did you know the average time that a family has to safely escape their home unharmed in the event of a fire is only two minutes and working smoke and CO alarms provide that early warning needed to escape?
Kawartha Lakes firefighters will be going door to door over the next few months educating residents about how to be prepared in case of a fire and offering the option of receiving a free inspection of their smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) alarms.
“Education and preparedness are critical factors for protecting families from the threat of fire,” stated Mark Pankhurst, Fire Chief. “We urge residents to join us and our Fire Service in building a safe community across Kawartha Lakes.”
Kawartha Lakes Fire Rescue is stressing the importance of ensuring that working smoke and CO alarms are on every storey of a house and outside all sleeping areas and is reminding residents to develop and practice a home escape plan.
Some important messages that the Fire Rescue Service will be delivering are:
- Develop and practice your home escape plan with every person in your household twice a year
- Change the batteries on your alarms once a year or whenever the low battery warning sounds
- Test alarms monthly to ensure the batteries are still good and the alarm is working
If residents are not home when Kawartha Lakes Fire Rescue visits, they will leave a program package at the door. Those who would like more information can contact the Fire Prevention Division at 705-324-5731. For more information on fire safety, please visit the Ontario Office of the Fire Marshal at www.ofm.gov.on.ca. To learn more about Kawartha Lakes Fire Rescue Service, visit www.kawarthalakes.ca/fire.
