September 30, 2004 - OTTAWA, ONTARIO—On Parliament Hill today, Marlene Catterall, M.P. for Ottawa West-Nepean, Ontario, on behalf of the Honourable Joe Fontana, Minister of Labour and Housing, with Frank Albert, former President of Fire Prevention Canada, joined elementary school children, fire department officials, children’s performer Mary Lambert, and “Sparky” the Fire Dog to officially launch Fire Prevention Week. The Week will run this year from October 3rd to 9th.

“It’s Fire Prevention Week: Test Your Smoke Alarms” is this year’s theme and it could save your life. Approximately 70 per cent of residential fire deaths result from fires in homes with no smoke alarms or smoke alarms that are not working. Smoke alarms provide early warning when a fire occurs, yet are useless if they do not operate correctly.

“So many fatalities could be avoided if we all take a moment to test our smoke alarms,” said Marlene Catterall. “I challenge Canadians to help reduce the statistics by testing their alarms today and by teaching children what to do when the alarm sounds,” added Mrs. Catterall.

Ensuring that households are equipped with working smoke alarms is only part of the solution. When the alarm signals, children and families should know what to do: all families should have an escape plan and practice it. Walk through the home and inspect all possible exits and escape routes. Households with children should consider drawing a floor plan of the home, marking two ways out of each room, including windows and doors. Also, mark the location of each smoke alarm. Choose an outside meeting place at a safe distance in front of the home where everyone can meet after they have escaped. Make sure to mark the location of the meeting place on the escape plan.

“This year’s theme underscores a very sad fact,” said Mr. Albert. “Fire fighters continue to respond to fatal fires, only to find that the smoke alarm was not functioning. Please, test your smoke alarms. A human life is worth more than the price of a battery.”

The Labour Program of Human Resources and Skills Development Canada promotes and encourages compliance with national and international fire protection standards within the federal government and First Nation communities. Protecting all Canadians from the consequences of fire is a responsibility shared by all levels of government and by all Canadians.

Proclaimed in observance in Canada for 85 years, Fire Prevention Week reminds Canadians of the need to remain alert and responsive to the dangers of fire.