PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT

Halifax Regional Fire & Emergency Encourages Residents to Change Smoke Alarm Batteries Along with Clocks

(Friday, March 31, 2006) - Halifax Regional Fire and Emergency advises residents to change smoke alarm batteries this weekend when they change the time on their clocks. Smoke alarms (even electrical) should be tested monthly.

Working smoke alarms can reduce the chance of dying in a home fire by nearly half, providing the extra time critical for safe escape. Most home fires occur at night when people are sleeping. Most fire fatalities are the result of smoke inhalation; lethal amounts of smoke build long before the flames spread. Working smoke alarms will alert residents while there is still time to get out alive.

The fire code requires a smoke alarm between each sleeping area and the remainder of the dwelling unit. Where the sleeping areas are served by hallways, the smoke alarms should be installed in the hallways.

HRFE recommends that every home be protected by a wired in smoke alarm, complete with battery back-up on each level.

The Halifax Regional Fire and Emergency has an “Alarmed and Ready Program” that supplies smoke alarms to residents who do not have at least one working smoke alarm. Please contact 490-5590 or 490-5546 for information on this program.

SMOKE ALARMS - DON'T “LIVE” HOME WITHOUT THEM!

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For further information contact:

Public Education Officers
490-4017