News Release

For Immediate Release

Saanich Fire reminds residents to learn the sounds of Fire Safety

October 3, 2021 – The Saanich Fire Department is teaming up with the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) – the official sponsor of Fire Prevention Weekfor more than 90 years—to promote this year’s Fire Prevention Weekcampaign, “Learn the Sounds of Fire Safety.^.” This year’s campaign, October 3-9, works to educate everyone about simple but important actions they can take to keep themselves and those around them safe. 

“What do the sounds mean? Is there a beep or a chirp coming out of your smoke or carbon monoxide alarm? Knowing the difference can save you, your home, and your family,” said Lorraine Carli, vice-president of outreach and advocacy at NFPA.

The Saanich Fire Department encourages all residents to embrace the 2021 Fire Prevention Week theme.

“It’s important to learn the different sounds of smoke and carbon monoxide alarms. When an alarm makes noise—a beeping sound or a chirping sound—you must take action!” said Lieutenant Inspector Sean Lillis. “Make sure everyone in the home understands the sounds of the alarms and knows how to respond. To learn the sounds of your specific smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, check the manufacturer’s instructions that came in the box, or search the brand and model online.”

The Saanich Fire Department Prevention Team wants to share the following safety tips to help you “Learn the Sounds of Fire Safety:”

• A continuous set of three loud beeps—beep, beep, beep—means smoke or fire. Get out, call 9-1-1, and stay out.
• A single chirp every 30 or 60 seconds means the battery is low and must be changed.
• All smoke alarms must be replaced after 10 years.
• Chirping that continues after the battery has been replaced means the alarm is at the end of its life and the unit must be replaced.
• Make sure your smoke and CO alarms meet the needs of all your family members, including those with sensory or physical disabilities.

The Saanich Fire Department is hosting a series of events in support of this year’s Fire Prevention Week campaign, “Learn the Sounds of Fire Safety”, including at:

Uptown Centre by Walmart
Tuesday, October 5 and Thursday, October 7
1:30 – 3:30 p.m.

Tillicum Centre near Starbucks
Wednesday, October 6
1:30 – 3:30 p.m.

Learn more:

To find out more about Fire Prevention Week programs and activities in Saanich, please contact the Saanich Fire Prevention Division at 250-475-5500 or fireprevention@saanich.ca and connect with us on Twitter @SaanichFire.  For more general information about Fire Prevention Week and fire prevention in general, visit fpw.org. or saanich.ca/fire

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Media Contact:
Sean Lillis
Lieutenant Inspector, Saanich Fire Prevention Division
Saanich Fire Department
250-475-5503