October 15, 2001

Fall 2001 smoke alarm program gets underway

The Regina & Region Home Builders’ Association (RRHBA) and SGI CANADA are partnering once again with the Regina Fire Department to install free smoke alarms in high fire risk neighbourhoods.

The Fall 2001 smoke alarm campaign kicks off today. This ongoing program targets homes in areas with high fire occurrences, alternating between the Core/Ritchie and north-central Regina neighbourhoods.

Firefighters check smoke alarms in homes to make sure they work properly and install new lithium battery operated smoke alarms wherever necessary, all free of charge.

“We initiated this program as a way of giving back to the community, to ensure that Regina residents are healthy and safe. As well, the number of emergency responses and the severity of associated injury, loss of life and property are minimized,” said Alice Russell, Executive Officer of the RRHBA. “We are very happy to say that there have been zero fire fatalities in the areas already covered by the program since its inception in 1998.”

“Safety education has always been a priority at SGI CANADA. This program is an excellent vehicle to promote fire safety in the community,” said Larry Fogg, President of SGI CANADA.

Since the program began, firefighters have checked the smoke alarms in 1,428 Regina homes, and as a result installed 1,286 lithium battery operated smoke alarms. These smoke alarms are tamper proof and have a life span of 10 years.

“The lithium battery operated smoke alarms mean a decade of increased fire protection and safety by sounding an early warning in case of fire,” said Jack Lichtenwald, Fire Chief, Regina Fire Department. “This is an excellent proactive approach to preventing injuries and death caused by fire.”

The area designated for the Fall 2001 campaign is bordered by 5th Avenue and Dewdney Avenue on the north and south, and Robinson Street and Argyle Street on the east and west.

For media inquiries only, contact:
Julianne Jack
SGI Communications
Regina
(306) 775-6907

For all other inquiries, call 1-800-667-8015.

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