Contest: Test Your Smoke Alarm

Thursday, Sept. 28, 2023, is Ontario's first Test Your Smoke Alarm Day!

All Ontarians are encouraged to learn more about smoke alarms, fire safety, and home fire escape planning, which could save you and your loved ones. Most importantly, we want you to test your smoke alarms!

Having working smoke alarms won't just save your life – it's the law.

Every home in Ontario is required by law to have working smoke alarms on every story and outside all sleeping areas. For added protection, install working smoke alarms in every bedroom.

Homeowners

Homeowners must install and maintain smoke alarms on every storey of their homes and outside all sleeping areas. For added protection, install working smoke alarms in every bedroom.

Building Owners

Building owners are responsible for installing and maintaining working smoke alarms in their rental properties. Building owners are required to test smoke alarms in rental units annually and when the battery is replaced, changes are made to the electric circuit, or a change of tenancy occurs.

Tenants

Tenants are required by law to notify the building owner if the smoke alarm in the rental unit is disconnected, not operating, or the operation is impaired. It is against the law for tenants to remove the batteries or tamper with the alarm.

Installing, testing, and maintaining smoke alarms

There are many types of smoke alarms. Smoke alarms can be hard wired, battery operated, or both. When replacing a smoke alarm, you must replace it with the same type that was there. Because smoke rises, ceilings are the best location to mount your smoke alarms. Avoid placing alarms near bathrooms, heating appliances, windows and ceiling fans. Always follow manufacturer’s instructions when installing smoke alarms. Test smoke alarms at least every month by pressing the test button and listening for the three-beep alarm. Replace smoke alarm batteries at least once a year, and whenever the low-battery warning chirps. Smoke alarms don't last forever. Replace smoke alarms according to manufacturer's instructions, usually every 10 years. When replacing interconnected smoke alarms, it is advisable to replace all units in the system at the same time. If you need to replace a single malfunctioning alarm, make sure the new alarm is compatible with the existing units. You cannot replace a hard-wired smoke alarm with a battery-operated smoke alarm.

Manage nuisance alarms

If a smoke alarm frequently activates due to cooking or using the shower, do not remove the battery. Try moving the smoke alarm, buying a smoke alarm with a hush feature, or replacing alarms located near kitchens with photoelectric types.

What to do in case the smoke alarm sounds

If your smoke alarm detects smoke, it will sound a loud, three-beep alarm pattern. In the event of a fire, you may have less than 60 seconds to safely escape danger. It’s important to talk with all family members and guests about a home fire escape plan and practice the plan twice a year. If a fire occurs in your home, follow your family’s home fire escape plan. Remember to GET OUT, STAY OUT and CALL 911. Never go back inside a burning home for anything or anyone.

Test Your Smoke Alarm Contest!

From now until September 28th, test your smoke alarm and take a photo for a chance to win 1 of 4 gift cards to Foodland or Your Independent Grocer valued at up to $100! Comment with your photo on any of our contest posts on Russell Township’s Facebook, Instagram or Twitter or Russell Township Fire Services, or send us an email. We invite you to share our post to encourage others to join in and test their alarms too!

Terms and Conditions:

• Contest closes September 28th 2023 at midnight.
• Open to residents of Township of Russell.
• Employees and immediate family members of Russell Township are not eligible.
• Four winners will be selected at random on September 29th and will be contacted via the social media account used to enter.
• Winners agree to have their photo shared on social media when receiving the prize.

For more information about test your smoke alarm day, visit www.testyoursmokealarmday.ca or contact Russell Township Fire Services.