Smoke Alarms: Have One On Every Level
Some of the most law-abiding people are unknowingly breaking the law every day. Not for robbery, or speeding, or assault. But simply because they don't have working smoke alarms in their homes. The Ontario Fire Code requires homes to have working smoke alarms on every level. In addition to the requirement of having smoke alarms outside all sleeping areas. This applies to all single-family, semi-detached and town homes, whether owner-occupied or rented.
For homeowners, that may mean purchasing additional smoke alarms and installing them on every level of their home and outside all sleeping areas. Failure to do so could result in a ticket for $235.
Landlords must make sure their rental properties comply with the law. Individual landlords who fail to comply with the Fire Code smoke alarm requirements can face penalties of up to $50,000.
Tenants of rental properties are encouraged to contact their landlords immediately if they do not have the required number of smoke alarms. Once smoke alarms are installed, tenants cannot remove the batteries or tamper with the alarm in any way. If they do so, the tenant could receive a ticket for $235.
Ontario fire statistics reveal that in about 50 per cent of fatal home fires, the victims had no smoke alarm warning.
"Think of smoke alarms as seatbelts for your home," said Chief Tulk. "and they protect you and your family from harm, you are forever grateful that they were there and that they were working."
Smoke Alarm Facts
- Test your smoke alarms once a month and change the batteries at least once every year.
- Smoke alarms don't last forever. Replace smoke alarms if they are more than ten years old.
- 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.
Dealing with Nuisance Alarms
- Only working smoke alarms save lives.
- Never remove the batteries from smoke alarms. If nuisance alarms are a problem, try relocating the alarm or purchase an alarm with a "hush feature" that temporarily silences the alarm.
- If your smoke alarm goes off when cooking or showering, don't remove the battery. There are solutions to deal with the problem.
- Keep stove burners and ovens clean, adjust the timer setting on the toaster, use the range hood fan when cooking, and turn on the bathroom fan while showering.
- Install smoke alarms with a hush button that will temporarily silence the alarm. The smoke alarm will reset itself after several minutes.
- Relocate smoke alarms that are too close to kitchen or bathrooms to a different place.
- Try replacing ionization smoke alarms located near kitchens or bathrooms with photoelectric smoke alarms.
- Replace smoke alarms that are more than ten years old with new ones.
- Visit www.makeitstop.ca for suggestions, or contact Kingston Fire & Rescue.
