Smoke Alarms

ONLY A WORKING FIRE ALARM CAN ALERT YOU TO SMOKE IN YOUR HOME!

Smoke Alarm Legislation

The Ontario Fire Code mandates the installation of smoke alarms in residences.  The Fire Code was recently amended under Section 2.13 and Subsection 6.3.3, that smoke alarms be installed and maintained outside of all sleeping areas, as well as on every level of a residence. The Fire Code also states that "No person shall intentionally disable a smoke alarm so as to make it inoperable."  Anyone who intentionally disables a smoke alarm is guilty of a provincial offence and is subject to a fine.

Homeowners:

It is the responsibility of homeowners to install and maintain smoke alarms on every level of their home and outside sleeping areas.

Landlords:

It is the responsibility of landlords to ensure their rental properties comply with this law. 

Tenants:

If you are a tenant of a rental property and do not have the required number of smoke alarms, contact your landlord immediately. Also, it is against the law for tenants to remove the batteries or tamper with the smoke alarms in any way.

Failure to comply with the Fire Code Smoke Alarm Requirements could result in a fine of up to $50,000 for individuals or $100,000 for Corporations.

Requirements:

Note: New homes constructed today are required by the Ontario Building Code to have electrically operated smoke alarms installed on all levels of the home. These smoke alarms must also be interconnected to each other so if one is activated, all smoke alarms in the same home will ring.

• Ceiling mounted smoke alarms should be installed away from ceiling fans and air ducts, and at least 10 centimetres away from the wall. Wall mounted alarms should be installed so the top of the alarm is 10 to 30 centimetres below the ceiling.

Smoke Alarm Requirements and Guidelines:

• When installing smoke alarms, refer to the manufacturer's instructions for information about correct placement.
• Test your smoke alarms every month using the test button usually located on the cover of the smoke alarm. 
• It is recommended changing the battery in your smoke alarm the same time of year that your clocks are changed (Spring and Fall of each year).  
• Replace all smoke alarms that are older than 10years old.  If you are in doubt how old the existing smoke alarm is, it is recommended that a new smoke alarm is purchased and installed.
• Steam from the shower or cooking can cause smoke alarms to sound. Do not remove the battery. Instead, try moving the smoke alarm to a different location, or purchase a smoke alarm with a hush feature that will temporarily silence the alarm.
• Replace alarms if they are showing problems or have been exposed to a fire or heavy smoke.
• Gently vacuum the smoke alarm at least every 6 months.
• Never paint any part of a smoke alarm.

Types of Smoke Alarms:

• Ionization alarms are most common, least expensive, and tend to detect the smoke produced by fast burning fires with visible flames faster than smoke from a smouldering fire.
• Photo-electric alarms are harder to find, cost slightly more, and tend to detect the smoke produced by slow burning smouldering fires with very little flame. This type of alarm is highly recommended for homes where smokers live due to the greater potential for a smouldering fire caused by a carelessly discarded cigarette.
   

For more information on smoke alarms, contact Fire Prevention at 905-637-9536 (firedepartment@burlington.ca) or refer to The Office of the Fire Marshall.

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