What is your fire alarm trying to tell you?

Richmond Hill residents urged to learn the sounds of fire safety during Fire Prevention Week

Yorkregion.com
Sept. 28, 2021
Yoyo Yan

While we hear a variety of sounds every day, none might be quite as important as knowing the sounds of fire safety. The theme for this year's Fire Prevention Week (Oct. 3-7), "Learn the Sounds of Fire Safety!" aims to educate Richmond Hill residents about the different sounds smoke and carbon monoxide alarms make, such as:

• Three loud beeps -- beep, beep, beep -- continuously 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

• 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. Replace smoke alarms after 10 years

You can learn more fire safety tips from Richmond Hill's Fire and Emergency Services team by participating in activities throughout Fire Prevention Week, including:

• Information Displays --Fire staff will be on site at Richmond Hill Public Library branches Oct. 4-7

• Activity Kit Drop-offs -- Residents can sign up for an activity kit to be dropped off to their front porch. Kits include activity books and sheets, colouring pages, fire safety information and more for all ages

• Virtual Scavenger Hunt -- Online virtual challenge for families to "Learn the Sounds of Fire Safety"

• Chalk the Walk -- Fire staff will be on site at Richmond Green and Lake Wilcox Oct. 9 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., encouraging residents to help 'chalk the walk' full of fire safety pictures and messages (weather dependent)

Knowing what to do when an alarm sounds can help keep you and your family safe! Learn more about fire prevention at RichmondHill.ca/FirePreventionWeek.