Kamloops Fire Rescue is giving out smoke alarms to people in the city for free this month.

KFR Life Safety Educator Jeff Pont says people who are unsure of the status of their smoke alarms, or who have not changed it in the last 10 years, should test their alarm.

If its not working, Pont says anyone within city limits in a single family home, basement suite or townhouse can request to have one installed at no charge.

“It can save your life its that plan and simple. When you are sleeping or when you are home and a smoke alarm goes off, it is an early detection and it can get people out of the home quickly and without those smoke alarms, they might not notice, they might be sleeping and then it is too late.”

Pont explains a working smoke alarm can increase your chances of surviving a house fire by 50 per cent.

“By doing this program, I am really hoping that at the very least, people will stand up and test their smoke alarms and then if they are not working or they are expired because they expire after 10 years, they will give us a call and we can come replace them.”

Kamloopsians can request a free smoke alarm on the City of Kamloops website, or calling 250-320-7641.