Working Smoke Alarms Saves Lives
Under the Ontario Fire Code, you must have a working smoke alarm outside every sleeping area in your home. As of March 1, 2006, you must also have at least one working smoke alarm in every storey that does not contain a sleeping area. This law applies to all single-family, semi-detached and town houses, whether owner-occupied or rented.
What is the best alarm to buy?
Smoke alarms have many different features. They can be electrically connected, battery powered, or both. The pause or 'hush” feature that temporarily silences nuisance alarms is recommended.
Where should I install my smoke alarms?
Install smoke alarms on every level of your home and near sleeping areas. Because smoke rises, alarms should be placed on or near the ceiling, according to the user's manual. Try to avoid areas that can trigger nuisance alarms, such as bathrooms, heating appliances, windows and ceiling fans. Never remove the batteries from a smoke alarm.
I live in a split-level house. Do I need to install a smoke alarm on each level?
No. A smoke alarm is not required on each level in a split-level dwelling unit because each level does not count as a separate 'storey”. However, a working smoke alarm must be installed outside each sleeping area of a home. This may result in more than one smoke alarm per storey, if a home is designed to accommodate separate sleeping areas that cannot be protected by a single alarm.
Why does my smoke alarm beep?
An intermittent beeping means that the battery needs replacing immediately. Don't wait this long. Change the battery when you change your clock in the spring and fall.
How should I care for my smoke alarms?
Follow manufacturer's directions. Test your alarm weekly by pressing the test button. Once a month, test your alarms using smoke from a smouldering string. Dust can clog a smoke alarm, so every six months, carefully vacuum inside the power unit according to manufacturer's instructions.
Smoke alarms do not last forever.
Replace smoke alarms that are over 10 years old. Replace smoke alarms that fail tests or that malfunction in any way.
Make sure everyone in the household knows what to do if the smoke alarm sounds. Develop a home fire escape plan and practice it with the entire household.
For more information about smoke alarms and fire safety, please contact Greater Sudbury Fire Services at 674-4455 ext. 3743 or visit the Office of the Fire Marshal website.
