Rocky View County (RVC) Fire Services is extending Fire Prevention Week to last throughout the entire month of October, visiting the homes of County residents to provide public education about smoke alarms and to ensure all homes have a functioning alarm system.
“Studies show they do save lives – when people know about the fire, they are able to get out,” said Fire Chief Randy Smith. “Last year was our first intensive program going door-to-door and it was really well-received. We just want to make sure no one is staying home without a smoke alarm.”
Fire Services aims to reach 500 homes throughout the County with this initiative but Smith said enthusiastic firefighters visited nearly 1,200 homes last year. This year, Smith said the department is focusing on carbon monoxide detectors as well, as they may be reaching the end of their service life.
“We leave door-knockers if people aren’t home with information and reminders to check their smoke alarms,” Smith said. “If people are home, we ask if they’ve tested their alarms, and answer any questions people might have. We will change batteries for people or install alarms if needed – it’s amazing to see how many homes don’t have working alarms.”
According to Smith, smoke alarms provide an early detection opportunity for families to enact their escape plans to get themselves and their loved ones out safely. He noted it’s especially important in rural areas throughout RVC where response times are slower because it takes longer to drive into the county.
“I always say, people don’t think of putting a child in a car without a car seat, but why would anyone consider letting a child sleep in a home without a smoke alarm?” Smith said.
“Most fire fatalities occur at night, and it’s not the fire that kills you – it’s the carbon monoxide or the smoke and you just don’t wake up. But the sooner we know about it, the sooner the trucks are rolling, and we’d much rather deal with a small fire than a big fire.”
Smith added the program is also a valuable opportunity for firefighters to get out of the station and interact with their communities. While he said they do try to participate in public events whenever possible, this program is the department’s own initiative.
“The kids love seeing the fire trucks out in the neighbourhood and it’s a good chance for our volunteer and career firefighters to get out and talk with their neighbours,” Smith said. “We can’t hit every resident but we do try to see as many as we can near each of our seven stations.”
