Nov 14 2024, Partly Cloudy, 20ºC
Built For Life Fire Department
The Home Fire Sprinkler Coalition (HFSC) has named the Swift Current Fire Department a "Built For Life Fire Department" in recognition of its efforts to help local citizens understand the life-saving importance of fire sprinkler systems in homes. Swift Current Fire Department is the 5th Canadian department to receive this designation.
More than 80% of fire deaths occur in homes. Fire safety experts agree that increased installation of home fire sprinkler systems could dramatically reduce this loss of life. Fire sprinklers detect a fire automatically and control it early, limiting deadly smoke and heat, providing time for residents to exit the home, and saving lives. Each sprinkler head is activated by heat, only the sprinkler closest to the fire will operate spraying water directly on the flames. Smoke cannot set off a fire sprinkler.
The technology has been around for well over a century, but it is a relatively new feature in homes. As a result, there is often misinformation and confusion about fire sprinklers, which is why fire service sprinkler education is a vital community safety strategy.
"The Home Fire Sprinkler Coalition extends its congratulations and gratitude to the Swift Current Fire Department for making this important life safety topic a local focus," said HFSC Board Chair Gary S. Keith. "Working together, we can help more families stay safer from home fires".
Swift Current Fire Department has received a "Built For Life Fire Department" certificate and other recognition materials. But most importantly, HFSC provided free educational materials to support local home fire sprinkler outreach.
"We are proud to receive this recognition for our efforts to go above and beyond traditional fire safety outreach," says Fire Chief Denis Pilon. "Fire sprinkler systems do more than any other fire protection technology can and they belong in places where people are at greatest risk -- the home. In addition to protecting the men, women and children who live in the home, fire sprinklers also protect our fire fighters".
Those residents who are building a new home or doing major renovations should talk with their builder about having a fire sprinkler system installed.