Some West Kelowna homes sorely lacking in smoke detectors

WEST KELOWNA – Fire personnel conducting a door-to-door campaign last week discovered more than half of homes visited did not have working smoke alarms.

Staff from West Kelowna Fire Rescue and Westbank First Nation visited 65 residences in a mobile home community, states a press release from Kelly Wilson, fire and life educator with the fire department. The exercise was part of their Fire Prevention Week campaign.

“The results of this initiative showed that of the homes visited, 58 per cent did not have a smoke alarm present, or had alarms that were either not working or expired,” the release stated.

“Home fires today can burn faster than ever. From the time the smoke alarm sounds, occupants have as little as one to two minutes to escape safely,” Wilson stated.

“Knowing how to use that time wisely takes planning and practice. A home escape plan includes working smoke alarms on every level of the home, in close proximity to all sleeping areas. It also includes two ways out of every room; usually a door and a window, with a clear path to an outside meeting place located a safe distance from the home.”

Crews installed maintenance free, 10-year smoke and carbon monoxide alarms.

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