Smoke Alarms – Make Sure Yours Is Working Properly

It’s not enough to just install smoke alarms; it’s important to have them where they are needed and to make sure they will work properly if there is a fire in your home.

Each year, many people in Canada die in fires that can be prevented with working smoke alarms.

The holiday period is a time of celebration, but like many other celebratory events, it does come with its risks, especially with lights and decorations in place for a few weeks.

Public Safety Canada, in co-operation with the Canadian Association of Fire Chiefs, have provided guidelines and tips on how to make sure your alarms are ready should there ever be a fire.

 

• Read the instructions – location, maintenance, and proper usage info is always included.
• Smoke alarms should be placed on every level of the home, and preferably in every bedroom.
• Consider interconnected smoke alarms so when one sounds, they all do.
• If your alarm has no button, it is outdated and must be replaced.
• Check the expiration date on hard-wired smoke alarms.

 

Smoke alarms should also be replaced every ten years as some models last as little as five years.

Change the batteries in all smoke alarms twice a year or follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for changing the battery.

Fire safety also depends on every member of the household knowing what to do and having an escape plan. If you do not have an emergency plan, take a few minutes to create one.