As National Fire Prevention Week kicks off, the Okotoks Fire Department is heavily emphasizing that all homes whether they are brand new or older have a thorough check to make sure they are properly checked not just for working smoke detectors but the overall fire safety of the home as well.

Fire Chief Ken Thevenot says the department has a couple different ways to investigate your home and they're both free.

"We have a home inspection form that you can check the different items on that list yourself, if you have any questions, you want us to do a home inspection we'll come and do a free inspection of your home," he says. "We'll set-up a time, we'll come over to your house do a walk through, answer any questions and make sure everything is in a readiness state."

The inspection checklists can be picked up at the fire hall at anytime and all you have to do is give the fire department a call if you'd like to set-up an inspection with them.

Thevenot says the inspection check done by the fire department is more than checking smoke alarms.

"We'll check that your hallways access routes are good, your door hardware is working and in good condition. Also your furnace room, make sure the furnace filters are checked to make sure they're in good working order as well, your dryer venting is clear and around your hot water tanks as well."

He says when checking the furnace you should contact a certified inspector to make sure everything is working properly as fire hazards can arise quickly.

Thevenot has also noticed that fires he's fought in the past have had common connections to dryer vents being plugged and not just simply excess lint being built up in the lint trap.

"A lot of times what happens is that people don't have their lint traps checked or, behind the dryer, the lint traps aren't checked there as well or your lint tubing going outside isn't checked periodically. That has also been problematic."

Thevenot says on top of all of the information given, that residents should take a close look at their smoke detectors. Not only should they have their batteries checked but also determine when they were made. If it's over seven years old, it should be switched out for a replacement monitor.

Questions, comments, or story ideas? Email us at news@okotoksonline.com