In a fire, seconds count. Early detection is important. Only working smoke alarms provide those important seconds for you and your family to safely escape.
Smoke Alarm Facts
Early Detection Saves Lives:
Fatal fires occur at night when people are asleep. Smoke alarms provide that all important early detection allowing you the opportunity to wake up and escape.
How many smoke alarm are enough?
You need one on every level of your home, outside sleeping areas, and perferably in each bedroom. Visit the Office of the Fire Mashal for Smoke Alarm FAQ's or the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) for Smoke Alarm Installation & Maintenace information.
Its the Law
The Ontario Fire Code requires that every home have working smoke alarms on each floor. If you are a landlord it is your responsibility to comply with this law. If you are a tenant it is your responsibility to notify your landlord immediately if your alarm(s) is/are not working.
Maintain your Smoke Alarm
Replace your smoke alarms every 10 years or as required. Change your batteries spring and fall or as often as required.
Smoke Alarm Maintenance
Change your Battery
Install a new battery every year or as required. If the low battery alarm sounds replace the battery immediately.
Keep it Clean
Carefully clean the smoke alarm around the outside vents using a vacuum.
Regular Testing
Test your smoke alarms at a minimum once a month by pushing the alarm test button.
Replace your Out of Date Smoke Alarms
Smoke alarms require replacement in accordance with the manufacturers recommendations, at least every 10 years.
Types of Smoke Alarms
Features
Smoke alarms are available with pause or hush buttons that can be used to temporarily silence the alarm for several minutes before resetting itself unless overridden by continuous smoke. Smoke alarms are also available with auditable voice commands and/or visual signaling devices, such as strobe lights, to ensure everyone, including those with hearing or visual impairments, are able to escape to a safe location.
For more information on smoke alarms visit National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) or the Office of the Fire Marshal (OFM)
Styles
- Battery-operated smoke alarms can be powered by a 9-volt battery or 3-4 double A batteries or a 10 year sealed lithium battery.
- Hardwired smoke detectors are wired directly into the homes electrical system.
- Interconnected systems activate all alarms within the residence through radio frequency for a higher level of safety.
Types
- Photoelectric smoke alarms consist of a light emitting diode with a light sensitive sensor causing the alarm to sound when the light beam is scattered by combustible products. Photoelectric smoke alarms are the best type of alarms to be installed near the kitchen and bathrooms to reduce nuisance alarms.
- Ionization smoke alarms ionize air in the sensing chambers sounding an alarm when the conductivity of the chamber air decreases. Ionization alarms are more responsive to flaming fires, and photoelectric alarms are more responsive to smoldering fires
For more information on the types of Smoke Alarms, visit National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).
