This release was issued under a previous government.

2015 Fire Prevention Week - Hear the Beep

While all homes in the province must have working smoke alarms, fire officials are now recommending Albertans increase safety by installing smoke alarms:

  • inside every bedroom,
  • outside each separate sleeping area, and
  • on every level of the home, including the basement.

“Our province already has strong fire safety measures, but we’re encouraging Albertans to take safety inside their homes one step further. In a fire every second counts, so installing smoke alarms inside every room where people sleep can make a lifesaving difference.”

Deron Bilous, Minister of Municipal Affairs

“We know that smoke alarms save lives. If there is a fire in your home, smoke spreads fast and you need smoke alarms to give you time to get out.”

Spence Sample, Acting Fire Commissioner, Municipal Affairs

"Smoke alarms can save lives, but only if they are heard. An invaluable component of any residential emergency safety plan is to have working smoke alarms installed in sleeping areas and tested monthly. This way, Albertans will have a better chance of hearing the beep and exiting quickly in the event of an emergency.” 

Ken Block, Fire Chief, Edmonton Fire Rescue Services

“We are excited to once again participate in Alberta Fire Prevention Week 2015 as well as celebrate the 10th anniversary of our partnering sponsorship of the Fire Prevention Week Children’s Program. The program teaches Alberta school children about fire safety in their homes and is another way ATCO is helping to build a safer Alberta.”

Bill Stephens, President, ATCO Gas

Students from across Alberta complete the “Fire Safety Starts with You” activity book during Fire Prevention Week, teaching early elementary students important life-saving steps they can take to protect themselves, their families and their homes from fire. The Government of Alberta’s Office of the Fire Commissioner, ATCO Gas and ATCO Electric distributed more than 300,000 activity books across the province this year.

Approximately half of home fire fatalities result from fires occurring between 11 p.m. and 7 a.m., when most people are asleep. Having a working smoke alarm significantly reduces your chances of dying in a fire.

The Government of Alberta’s May 1, 2015 Safety Codes Act (Alberta Building Code and Alberta Fire Code) requires all new homes built in the province to have smoke alarms located inside each bedroom. This is an added safety measure being implemented across North America for new home construction. For older homes, owners are encouraged to install the additional smoke alarms inside each bedroom for added protection.