October 11, 2016 "” Thunder Bay Fire Rescue kicked-off National Fire Prevention Week at Kingsway Elementary School today. Grade 4 students at Kingsway educated a gymnasium full of classmates, teachers, Thunder Bay Fire Rescue personnel and Mayor Keith Hobbs on the importance of working smoke alarms and home fire safety.

Fire Prevention Week runs from Oct. 9-15, and this year's theme is "Don't Wait - Check the Date! Replace Smoke Alarms Every 10 Years".

"Smoke alarms provide you with the early warning needed to safely escape a fire" said Fire Chief John Hay. "Smoke alarms have a life span of 10 years and this year's theme reminds everyone to check the expiry date of their smoke alarm".

Chief Hay also explained that smoke alarms require some general maintenance. "Smoke alarms should be tested every month and smoke alarms that take batteries need to have their batteries changed at least once a year".

Thunder Bay Fire Rescue reminds citizens that it's the law to have working smoke alarms on every level of your home and outside all sleeping areas. Carbon Monoxide alarms are required outside all sleeping areas if your home has a fireplace, an attached garage, or a fuel fired appliance.

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Contact: Anthony Stokaluk, Public Education Officer - Thunder Bay Fire Rescue, 625-2802, cell 631-7033 or astokaluk@thunderbay.ca