Fire Prevention Week – +Video
McGuinty Government Asks Ontarians to Test Smoke Alarms
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Ontario is marking Fire Prevention Week by asking Ontarians to make sure their smoke alarms are installed correctly and tested regularly.
Smoke alarms provide an early warning of smoke or fire to protect family members, but they must be properly maintained. Too many household fires have gone undetected because smoke alarms have not been installed or the batteries have been disconnected or run down.
“Smoke Alarms – A Sound You Can Live With!” is the theme for this year’s Fire Prevention Week (October 3 to 9), and Ontarians should take the time to familiarize themselves with valuable tips to keep smoke alarms working properly, and making their homes safe:
- Test your smoke alarms each month to make sure they are working.
- Change the batteries at least once a year, or when the low battery warning sounds.
- For better protection, install smoke alarms in every bedroom.
- Make sure everyone knows the sound of the smoke alarms and what to do when a smoke alarm activates.
- Replace a smoke alarm every ten years.
QUICK FACTS
- Know what to do when the smoke alarm sounds. Develop a home escape plan with everyone in your household. Make sure you have two ways out of all areas.
- Keep combustible materials at least one metre away from space heaters.
- Never leave candles burning unattended.
- Installing smoke alarms is the law in Ontario. At a minimum, every home must have a working smoke alarm on every storey and outside all sleeping areas.
