Free smoke alarm offer expands

BC's campaign to see a working smoke alarm in every home grew again, as the total number of free units available to vulnerable families rose by 4,000.  

Photo: Contributed - Wikipedia

"The driving force behind this campaign is recognizing how common it has been for households in B.C. and across Canada to lack functioning smoke alarms, and how that translates into dozens of preventable deaths every year in the very places where our families should feel most safe," said Len Garis, president, Fire Chiefs' Association of BC. 

"The support we continue to receive in working to tackle this important safety issue is just phenomenal. Our focus has been on permanent, sustainable solutions for everyone, and I believe we're making real progress toward our goal."

Super Save Group has joined the campaign, making the additional Kidde alarms available for distribution to seniors throughout the province.

Recent research by Surrey fire chief Len Garis shows seniors make up nearly one-third of all B.C. fire victims, even though they account for just 15 per cent of the province's population.  

Today's announcement took place in Vancouver, in recognition of the rapid growth of the local senior population.

A recent United Way Lower Mainland report indicates Metro Vancouver's senior population grew 60 per cent to 312,895 over the decade ending in 2011.  

In March 2012, Justice Minister and Attorney General Shirley Bond and Garis launched a province-wide awareness campaign to save lives by having a working smoke alarm in every B.C. household.

"Our goal of a working smoke alarm in every B.C. home keeps gaining momentum. Super Save's generous offer will help us reach our target more quickly, and in a way that helps some of the people who are most vulnerable to fatality in a fire at home,” said Bond.

“I'd like to thank all of our partners communities, corporations, organizations, and of course Len Garis for his tireless efforts in this important campaign to save lives."