Residential sprinkler systems don鈥檛 just protect homes and buildings from fire damage and reduce insurance premiums, they save lives, says the Township of 91原创 Fire Department.
鈥淵our home is the single largest investment of your life. Having a fire sprinkler system inside the home you live in provides enhanced safety for you and your family, every day,鈥� said Township assistant Fire Chief Pat Walker. He hopes that fire sprinklers will eventually become standard in all homes.
鈥淢uch like with vehicle safety, I can鈥檛 think of a new car that is manufactured today that does not have seat belts and air bags to protect you during a collision.鈥�
The Township鈥檚 fire department is inviting the public to its on Thursday.
Presented by the Fire Chief鈥檚 Association of BC, the summit takes place at the 91原创 Events Centre (7888 200 St.), from 7:30 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. on Feb. 22.
The educational event will feature guest speakers, information, and demonstrations designed to dispel myths about home fire sprinklers and illustrate how they can save money, enhance the community, and ultimately save people鈥檚 lives.
Cost is $75, which includes lunch. For tickets and more information, visit .
The conference is tailored for those who work in construction, development, community planning, architecture, design, real estate, or insurance, and for elected officials.
Walker said the event will also be of interest to members of the public who want to learn more about residential sprinkler systems, including those renovating their homes and residents with restricted movement or mobility issues.
鈥淚t is extremely helpful to realize the advantage of having a sprinkler system in your home,鈥� Walker said. 鈥淭he safety of your family, the safety of your home is enhanced significantly.鈥�
Summit participants will have the chance to meet industry leaders who have spearheaded change in their communities and learn about innovative approaches to home fire sprinkling. As well, a side-by-side outdoor burning demonstration will show the effectiveness of home sprinklers.
Guest speakers will include burn survivor and sprinkler advocate Pam Elliott, former Greater Vancouver Home Builders鈥� Association CEO turned firefighter Peter Simpson, and Surrey fire chief Len Garis.
Shayne Mintz, the Canadian regional director for the National Fire Protection Association, and Maya Milardovic, the director of government relations at the Co-Operators Group, will discuss the scope and standards of sprinklering private residences.
Bruce Schultz, the codes officer with the City of Calgary, will share his residential sprinkler experiences and Fire and Life Safety consultant Sean Pearce will talk about the Livingston in Calgary, North America鈥檚 first fully sprinklered community.
As well, recently retired Sechelt Fire Chief Bill Higgs will discuss municipal and First Nations鈥� successes.
For more information, contact Township of 91原创 Assistant Fire Chief Pat Walker at 604-532-7514 or pwalker@tol.ca.
