A working smoke alarm in your home warns you early if there's a fire. Most deadly fires happen at night while people are asleep, but a working smoke alarm detects smoke and sounds an alarm to help save lives. The Ontario Fire Code requires every home to have one or more working smoke alarms.
Smoke alarm tips
Here are some key pieces of advice. Please check your smoke alarms today!
- Test alarms monthly: To ensure they work properly, press the test button on your smoke alarms at least once a month.
- Change batteries yearly: If the smoke alarms are battery-operated, change the batteries at least once a year or whenever you hear that chirping sound, which indicates low power.
- Clear your alarm of dust every six months: Gently vacuum the alarm with a soft brush so that it does not get clogged with dust. First, make sure the power is shut off if the alarm is electronically connected. When you are done, test the alarm to make sure it works.
- Know the expiration date: Smoke alarms don’t last forever. Check the back of the alarm for a date of manufacture and replace any unit over 10 years old.
- Install alarms in the right places: To ensure maximum coverage, install alarms on every level of the home, inside bedrooms, and outside sleeping areas. Install alarms on the ceiling but avoid places near bathrooms, ceiling fans, windows and heating appliances. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions when installing smoke alarms.
- Use interconnected alarms: Consider upgrading to interconnected alarms so that when one goes off, they all sound. This can give a faster warning throughout the entire home.
- Consider alarms for specific needs: There are smoke alarms with strobe lights and vibration features for those with hearing impairments, making them more accessible.
Download Smoke Alarms Safety Tip Sheets
Smoke alarm types
You can choose from several types of smoke alarms. Smoke alarms may be battery-operated, electrically connected, or a combination of both.
Know the sound of your smoke alarm
Your smoke alarm sounds different than your carbon monoxide alarm. Ensure everyone in your home knows the difference between the sounds.
- A continued set of three loud beeps - beep, beep, beep - means smoke or fire. Get out and call 911.
- A single chirp every 30 or 60 seconds means the battery is low and must be changed.
- Chirping that continues after the battery has been replaced means the alarm is at the end of its life, and the unit must be replaced.
Smoke alarm responsibilities
Homeowners
It is the homeowner’s responsibility to install and maintain smoke alarms on every storey of their home and outside sleeping areas.
Landlords
It is the landlord’s responsibility to ensure their rental properties comply with the law.
Tenants
If you are a tenant of a rental property and do not have the required number of smoke alarms, contact your landlord immediately. It is against the law for tenants to remove the batteries or tamper with the alarm in any way.
Carbon monoxide safety
Carbon monoxide (CO) is called the “silent killer” because it is a dangerous gas you can’t see, smell, or taste.
Visit our webpage to learn more: Carbon Monoxide Safety
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