In recognition of this year’s Fire Prevention Week, the Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) is highlighting the critical importance of installing working smoke alarms in homes. The theme for Fire Prevention Week 2024, “Smoke alarms: Make them work for you!”, underscores the vital role smoke alarms play in providing early warning and time to safely evacuate if a fire occurs. 

Taking place from October 6 to 12, 2024, Fire Prevention Week presents an opportunity for all Northwest Territories (NWT) residents to ensure they have correctly-installed, working smoke alarms and practice their home fire escape plan with everyone in the home.

The Office of the Fire Marshal reminds residents that smoke alarms are required on every level of the home and outside sleeping areas. For added protection, install smoke alarms in every bedroom, which is a requirement for new residential developments under the 2020 National Building Code. 

Interconnected smoke alarms provide the best protection to ensure everyone hears the sound. Choose only Canadian-certified smoke alarms that are labelled with the CAN/ULC-S531 testing standard and follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for installation, testing, and maintenance. Residents are encouraged to test smoke alarms monthly, replace batteries if the alarm chirps, and replace the entire unit when they are 10 years old. Smoke alarms with non-replaceable batteries are designed to last up to 10 years.

In addition to promoting fire safety awareness during Fire Prevention Week, the Office of the Fire Marshal works closely with partners and communities throughout the year to help support local fire and life safety initiatives.

Quote

“I am pleased to see the continued emphasis on fire safety in the Northwest Territories. Smoke alarms play an essential role in protecting families and communities, and this year’s Fire Prevention Week theme highlights their importance. I encourage everyone to take the necessary steps to promote fire safety, to ensure their alarms are working, to practice home fire escape plans with their families, and to consider working or volunteering with their local fire department to further support and protect NWT communities.”
    -  Vince McKay, Minister of Municipal and Community Affairs

Quick Facts

• Working smoke alarms save lives.
• Smoke alarms are a vital component of a home fire escape plan.
• Everyone in the home should understand the sound of the smoke alarm and know how to respond.
• Choose smoke alarms that suit the needs of all family members. This might include a strobe light feature for those who are hearing-impaired.
• Tenants who notice that a smoke alarm is missing or not working should notify building owners.

Related Links

• Fire Prevention Week 2024 | Municipal and Community Affairs
• Fire Prevention Week 2024 | National Fire Protection Association

For media requests, please contact: 

Peter Tah
Senior Communications and Planning Advisor 
Department of Municipal and Community Affairs
Government of the Northwest Territories 
Peter_Tah@gov.nt.ca
867 767-9162 Ext: 21012