Fire Prevention Week 

During Fire Prevention Week (FPW), October 6 - 12, 2024, the Office of the Fire Marshal reminded Northwest Territories (NWT) residents about the importance of having working smoke alarms in their homes. Smoke alarms play a crucial role in providing early notification in case of a fire, giving everyone a chance to get out safely.

“Smoke alarms: Make them work for you!” ^TM  was the message fire and life safety educators in the NWT promoted during FPW 2024.

Quick Facts and Safety Tips

• Working smoke alarms save lives.

• Working smoke alarms should be installed, tested, and maintained in every home.

• Working smoke alarms are an important part of a home fire escape plan. 

• Make sure everyone in the home understands the sound of the smoke alarm and how to respond.

• Choose smoke alarms that meet the needs of all family members. This might include a strobe light feature for those who are hearing impaired.

• Tenants who become aware that a smoke alarm is missing or not working must notify building owners.

Installation

• Install working smoke alarms on every storey of your home and outside sleeping areas. For added protection (and new residential developments), install smoke alarms in every bedroom as required by the 2020 National Building Code.

• Interconnected smoke alarms provide the best protection (especially if you sleep with doors closed). When one sounds, they all sound.

• Install smoke alarms away from the kitchen to prevent nuisance alarms. They should be at least 10 feet (3 metres) from a cooking appliance.

• Choose a smoke alarm that is certified and listed in conformance with CAN/ULC-S531, “Standard for Smoke Alarms.”

• Smoke alarms are permitted to be battery-operated.

• Always follow the manufacturer’s installation instructions.

Testing and Maintenance

• Test smoke alarms at least once a month by pushing the test button.

• Replace batteries at least once a year, or when the low battery alarm chirps.

• Smoke alarms with non-replaceable (long-life) batteries are designed to remain effective for up to 10 years. If the alarm chirps, warning that the battery is low, replace the entire smoke alarm right away.

• Replace all smoke alarms when they are 10 years old or stop responding when tested.

• Always follow the manufacturer’s testing and maintenance instructions.

Resources for Schools and Families*

English

• Learn the Sounds of Fire Safety

• Smoke Alarms Are Important – Lesson Plan (PK-K)

• Smoke Alarms Are Important – Lesson Plan (Grade 1-2)

• Kids Geometric Colouring Page

• Smoke Alarms at Home Safety Tips

• Kids Tip Sheet / Colouring Page

• Smoke Alarm Home Checklist

• Smoke Alarm Testing Calendar

French

• Mini Smoke Alarm Lesson Plan

• Kids Tip Sheet / Colouring Page

• Kids Geometric Colouring Page

• Smoke Alarm Home Checklist

Resources for Fire Departments*

English

• Fire Prevention Week 2024 - Sample Event Flyer

• Smoke Alarm Placement - Social Media Card

• Smoke Alarm Safety Tip Sheet

• Community Smoke Alarm Program – Planning Guide

French

• Fire Prevention Week 2024 – Sample Event Flyer

• Smoke Alarm Placement - Social Media Card

• Smoke Alarm Testing - Social Media Card

* Reproduced from NFPA's Fire Prevention Week website. © 2024 NFPA.