Red Deerians are being reminded to test and replace their smoke alarms this week. It’s Fire Prevention Week across North America so local fire officials are hoping to help keep residents safe by making them think more about fire prevention practices.

The theme for this year’s campaign is “Don’t Wait – Check the Date! Replace Smoke Alarms Every 10 Years”.

“Having working smoke alarms in your home reduces the risk of dying in a fire in half,” said Shane Dussault, Fire Prevention Officer in Red Deer. “As with all electronic devices, smoke alarms wear out, and are designed to have a 10 year life.”

Fire Prevention Week was established to remember the destructive Chicago fire on October 9, 1871 that killed more than 250 people and left 100,000 homeless. Fire Prevention Week was officially proclaimed in Canada in 1919 to commemorate the Chicago blaze, as well as the major fire that destroyed the Centre Block of the Parliament buildings in Ottawa on February 3, 1916.