The Morden Fire Department became the launch site for National Fire Prevention Week 2024 in Manitoba, with a special event that brought in Grade 1 students from Maple Leaf School. The interactive experience aimed to educate young children about the importance of fire safety and proper smoke alarm maintenance.
Theme of 2024 National Fire Prevention Week: "Smoke alarms: make them work for you"
This year’s Fire Prevention Week theme, “Smoke Alarms: Make Them Work for You,” emphasizes the need for families to properly install, test, and maintain smoke alarms. Public Education Officer Jonathan Baumgart from Morden Fire and Rescue explained how children play a vital role in spreading fire safety awareness at home.
“The kids are the safety advocates,” Baumgart said. “They're the ones who bring that message home. When kids get excited about fire safety, they spark conversations with their parents, and that's how the whole family becomes safer.”
Hands-on fire safety for students
During the event, children engaged with an inflatable fire safety house and participated in fire hall tours. They also learned about home fire escape plans and smoke alarm maintenance.
Baumgart stressed the importance of reaching young minds early. “At this age, kids are like sponges. The more we teach them now, the more likely they are to remember those lessons as they grow older.”
Morden Fire Department honoured to host National Fire Prevention Week launch
Morden Fire Chief Andy Thiessen expressed the department's excitement in being chosen to host the 2024 launch.
“It's quite an honour to be selected to launch Fire Prevention Week for 2024,” Thiessen shared. “We’re excited to help spread the message about smoke alarms and how important it is for families to ensure they're working properly. It only takes two seconds to test your alarm once a month, and that simple action could save lives.”
Fire safety tips: How to make smoke alarms work for you
In addition to raising awareness, the Morden Fire Department shared crucial fire safety tips to help families stay protected:
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Install smoke alarms correctly
Place smoke alarms on every level of your home, especially inside and outside sleeping areas. Don’t overlook places like basements and hallways. -
Test your alarms monthly
Press the test button each month to ensure your smoke alarms work. Replace batteries if the alarm isn’t functioning or if you hear a “chirping” sound. -
Replace smoke alarms every 10 years
Smoke alarms lose effectiveness over time. Check the back of the alarm for the manufacture date, and if it’s over 10 years old, replace it. -
Use interconnected smoke alarms
With interconnected alarms, when one sounds, they all do—ensuring quicker response times in larger homes. -
Install special alarms for those with hearing impairments
For anyone hard of hearing, use alarms that feature strobe lights or bed shakers to ensure they are alerted in case of fire. -
Keep alarms clean
Regularly vacuum your smoke alarms to remove dust and prevent false alarms or reduced sensitivity. -
Never disable smoke alarms
Even if it goes off during cooking, do not disable your smoke alarm. Instead, move it further from the kitchen or use a fan to clear smoke. -
Pair smoke alarms with a home fire escape plan
Ensure your family is prepared by combining smoke alarms with a clear fire escape plan.
The importance of fire safety education
As Fire Prevention Week continues, both Baumgart and Thiessen hope the safety lessons learned by local students will have a lasting impact on their families and the wider community. The event highlights the crucial role smoke alarms play in protecting lives, with practical tips to help ensure every household stays safe.