Smoke Alarms
You may have just seconds to safely escape a fire in your home. That's why early detection of fire is absolutely vital. Only working smoke alarms provide those precious seconds you and your family need to safely escape. Remember! It's the law in Ontario to have working smoke alarms on every storey of your home and outside all sleeping areas.
Rental properties
Landlords are responsible for ensuring their rental properties comply with the law. Tenants may not remove the batteries or tamper with smoke alarms in any way.
Failure to comply
Failure to comply with the Fire Code smoke alarm requirements could result in a ticket for or a fine of up for individuals or for corporations. Check out the full set fine schedule online.
Smoke alarm inspections
Essex Fire and Rescue visits homes throughout the community on an annual basis to check smoke alarms and provide fire safety advice to residents.
To book a home visit or to obtain advice on the proper location of smoke alarm installations, contact the Fire Prevention Division.
Essex Fire and Rescue Services is reminding residents to test every smoke alarm in their home and ensure they are properly installed and maintained.
On September 28, Test Your Smoke Alarm Day, residents across Ontario are encouraged to press the test button on every smoke alarm in their home to confirm they are working. Testing your alarms is quick and easy, and it can help save lives.
Here are some important reminders about smoke alarm safety:
- Working smoke alarms are required by law on every storey of a home and outside all sleeping areas.
- Test all smoke alarms monthly by pressing the test button.
- Replace smoke alarm batteries at least once a year, unless equipped with a sealed long-life battery.
- Replace smoke alarm units that are more than 10 years old.
- Develop and practice a home fire escape plan, as fire can spread rapidly and leave little time to react.
Visit savedbythebeep.ca to learn more about smoke alarm safety and sign up for monthly smoke alarm testing reminders.
Working smoke alarms provide the early warning you need to escape a fire safely.
Take a few minutes to test your alarms and help keep your family protected today!
More information
The Ontario Fire Marshal's website provides important information to help ensure you and your family always have the early detection that smoke alarms provide.