Fire Prevention week kicks off today, runs until October 15th

[projekktor id=’25667′]

The Hamilton Fire Department is holding open house events at all of their fire stations today to mark Fire Prevention Week, which runs until October 15th.

This year, the theme is “Don’t Wait, Check the Date!” aimed at reminding people of the importance of checking expiry dates on smoke detectors.

Hamilton Fire is also asking people to take part in a Selfie challenge, where family members can post photos of each other replacing smoke alarms and replacing batteries in them to social media.

Smoke alarms should be replaced every 10 years, but fire officials say it’s best to check the manufacturer expiry date sticker on the alarm itself.

Batteries should be changed about every six months, and detectors should be checked monthly to ensure they are in proper working order.

Hamilton Fire officials say many times, fires start in home in the middle of the night, and working smoke detectors are crucial lifesavers in these instances.

Open house events run from 10am-4pm today at all 30 stations. Visitors are asked to bring a non-perishable food item to be donated to a local food bank.