Smoke Alarms

Most fire deaths and injuries are caused by smoke and gases.  Early warning from a smoke detector can save your life.  Do not go to sleep unless you know that there is a working smoke alarm outside your sleeping area!

Tips and rules for smoke alarms:

• You must have a working smoke alarm on every level of your home, including the basement.
• Smoke rises - so smoke alarms should be on the ceiling.
• Put alarms between each sleeping area and the remainder of the dwelling unit, or in the hallway, where a sleeping area is served by a hallway belonging to the dwelling unit.
• You must be able to hear the alarm when bedroom doors are closed.
• It is the responsibility of the owner to maintain the alarms.
• Battery operated units are the easiest to install, but units that are wired directly into your electrical system are also very good.
• If you have a smoke alarm with electrical power, there must not be a switch between the smoke alarm and the power distribution panel.
• Use a detector that is approved by the Underwriters’ Laboratories of Canada.
• Test your smoke alarms every month by pressing the test button. Also, check that the batteries are properly connected and in good shape.
• Change your batteries at least once a year. Make sure you use the right type of batteries. Many people change batteries twice a year, when they change their clocks for daylight savings time in the spring and fall. Vacuum your smoke alarm every six months (remove power, if electrically connected). Use a soft brush attachment avoiding contact between the nozzle and the smoke alarm.
• Replace smoke alarms that are over ten years old.
• If you hear an off-and-on beeping (chirping sound), replace the battery.
• Never use rechargeable batteries in a smoke alarm.

Click here for more information on Smoke Alarms and fire safety, or go to the Office of the Fire Marshal website.