Sign up for the paNOW newsletter

P.A. Fire Chief suggests 2017 resolutions for fire safety

Dec 31, 2016 | 8:16 AM

The new year is a great time to tackle some items on your to-do list, including fire safety.

Prince Albert Fire Department Chief Jason Everitt advised home and business owners to start by inspecting their smoke alarms and CO2 detectors.

“Typically smoke alarms are replaced every 10 years and carbon monoxide detectors every five to seven years. We recommend monthly testing for sure. It is typically just a button on the device and that will let you know if it is working and that is critically important,” Everitt said.

He advised the public to check the expiration dates on fire extinguishers and to review fire escape plans, especially with youth.

The department also has its own resolutions for 2017. Among them, an effort to build partnerships with regional fire services.

“We are trying to get together with departments in other municipalities and consolidate some of our efforts to make sure we’re able to support the region… as well as capitalize on what they can do to support our community,” Everitt explained.

Last year, the city initiated a Wildfire Protection Program. Working closely with Wildfire Management, the city is looking at how to best identify the risk of wildfire in the Nisbit forest.

Everitt said they hope to have a solid plan in 2017.

“We are really endorsing the Fire Smart Program. So, we’re working with residents living within the Nisbit Forest to help them recognize what they can do to eliminate the threat of a wildfire,” he said.

Also in the new year, the fire department will continue discussing the idea of making residential water sprinklers mandatory in some newly constructed homes.

2017 marks the 130th anniversary of the Prince Albert Fire Department.

 

teena.monteleone@jpbg.ca

@TeenaMonteleone