Home Fire Safety

The Ontario Fire Code states that every residence must have a working smoke alarm on all floor levels of their home, including basements and outside every sleeping area. The Township has the ability to lay charges when the Fire Code violations involving smoke alarms are found. If the homeowner brings their home into compliance as a result of the Home Fire Safety campaign, charges will not be laid.

Person pressing the centre of a smoke detector.
A fire extinguisher posted on a wall.
An example of an evacuation plan which includes showing a floor plan of a house.

Home Fire Safety Campaign

Fire department staff visit residences in the Township every fall to create awareness around smoke alarms in homes and home escape planning. During this time, firefighters educate residents on the importance of having at least one working smoke alarm on every level and outside sleeping areas of your home. They also offer to conduct an inspection of smoke alarms to ensure that they are in working condition and on every level of the home (including basement) and outside every sleeping area.

The Home Fire Safety campaign is a unique program that allows the firefighters to be present and proactive in the Township. The fire department reaches out to the public by going door-to-door with important fire safety messages, inviting them to ask questions, and giving them the opportunity to get free assistance with smoke alarm installation, if needed.

Smoke Alarms

The OFM recommends that:

  • If anyone in the household sleeps with the bedroom door closed, install an alarm inside their bedroom.
  • Batteries should never be removed from smoke alarms. If nuisance alarms are a problem, try moving the alarm to another location or purchase an alarm with a “hush feature” that temporarily silences the alarm.
  • Smoke alarms are replaced every 10 years.
  • Smoke alarms are tested once a month and the batteries be replaced every year.
  • 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.