- Homes built before 2012. Smoke alarms are required on every level of your home and outside of bedrooms. While houses built before the 2012 Building Code are not required to have smoke alarms installed inside every bedroom, you may choose to do so to provide better protection for your family
- Homes built after 2012. Smoke alarms are required on every level of your home, outside of bedrooms, and inside each bedroom.
- Do not install in the kitchen. This is a common myth, but smoke alarms should not be installed in the kitchen. Today’s alarms are designed to be sensitive, and being too close to a stove or toaster will cause the alarm to go off every time you cook. Try installing it the living room instead!
Smoke Alarms
There are various options available when it comes to smoke alarms. They can be either electrically connected, battery-operated, or a combination of both. Remember, when replacing a smoke alarm, ensure to replace it with the same type (battery-operated, electrically connected, or a combination).
Smoke alarms should be installed on every floor of your house and outside of each sleeping area. Be sure to replace alarms that are over a decade old, as smoke alarms have a limited lifespan. Depending on the age of your house, you may also have alarms inside each bedroom.
When installing smoke alarms, it is recommended to install them on the ceiling. Be cautious of placing them near bathrooms, heating appliances, windows, and ceiling fans. Remember to always follow the manufacturer's guidelines when setting up smoke alarms.
Remember to test your smoke alarms every month by pressing the test button and listening for the alarm.
When your smoke alarm's warning beeps, replace the battery right away; don’t delay. For regular batteries, it's advised to replace them twice a year, coinciding with daylight saving time changes. Some new smoke alarms feature a 10-year sealed battery, eliminating the need for battery replacements.
Test your smoke alarms monthly!
Batteries should be changed twice a year, even hardwired smoke alarms! You want your alarm to work, even when the hydro is out.
Smoke alarms expire 10 years after the manufacture date. You can find this date on the back of your alarm, or some have a “replace by” sticker on the side
Landlord and Tenant Responsibilities
- Install smoke alarms in accordance with the Ontario Fire Code.
- Maintain smoke alarms in operating condition.
- Maintain primary and secondary power supplies that serve smoke alarms.
- Provide a copy of the manufacturer’s maintenance instructions.
- The same is true for carbon monoxide alarms.
- Not disable the smoke alarm.
- Notify the landlord as soon as you are aware the smoke alarm in the unit is disconnected or not operating properly.
- The same is true for carbon monoxide alarms.
Alarmed for Life 2024
- Members of South Bruce Fire and Rescue will be going door to door to check for working smoke and carbon monoxide alarms.
- We will try to get to as many residences as we can both urban and rural.
- The program will go all summer (and into early fall depending on weather).
- This is an educational visit, no fines will be issued for missing alarms.
- Participation is voluntary, but you will be entered to win prizes donated by local businesses.
Thank you to our 2024 Sponsors
- Usborn Hibbert Mutual Insurance
- Miller Mutual Insurance
- Equipment Ontario
- Elora Road Meats
- P.E. Inglis Holdings and C&P Portables
- Nuclear Waste Management Organization