Smoke Alarms
The
Ontario Fire Code requires homes to have working smoke alarms on every storey. This is in addition to the requirement of having smoke alarms outside all sleeping areas. This applies to all single-family, semi-detached and town homes, whether owner-occupied or rented. Failure to do so will result in a fine of $360.
Fire Prevention Officers have the authority to lay charges with penalties up to $50,000 for smoke alarm infractions.
Landlords must ensure their rental properties comply with the law. Individual landlords who fail to comply with the Fire Code smoke alarm requirements can face penalties of up to $50,000 and up to a year in jail.
Tenants of rental properties are encouraged to contact their landlords immediately if they do not have the required number of smoke alarms. Once smoke alarms are installed, tenants cannot remove the batteries or tamper with the alarm in any way. If they do so, the tenant could be subject to a ticket for $360.
Sault Fire Services has adopted a zero-tolerance approach to smoke alarm violations. Smoke alarm violations including: missing/dead batteries, disabled alarms, and alarms not present on all storeys will result in charges.
Ontario fire statistics reveal that in about 50 per cent of fatal home fires, the victims had no smoke alarm warning.
Smoke Alarm Facts
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Test your smoke alarms once a month and change the batteries every year.
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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. Never remove the batteries from smoke alarms.
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Smoke alarms don't last forever. Replace smoke alarms if they are more than ten years old.
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Make sure 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.