CENTRE WELLINGTON – Centre Wellington Fire Rescue is reminding all residents that working smoke alarms save lives.
Residents are being encouraged to test their smoke alarms at home this Sunday, September 28th, as part of the “Saved by the Beep” Campaign.
Christopher Paluch, Fire Prevention Officer, says the idea on Sunday is that everyone test their smoke alarms.
Paluch also stresses the importance of installing smoke alarms on every story of your home and outside all sleeping areas.
Residents should also:
- Test smoke alarms at least once per month by pressing the test button.
- Replace the batteries in your smoke alarm at least once per year, or as recommended by the manufacturer.
- Never remove batteries from a smoke alarm to stop it from beeping – the sound is alerting you to a problem that needs your attention.
- Know the sounds: a consistent 3-beep, pause, repeat, means there may be smoke or fire; a single chirp every 30-60 seconds often means the battery is low.
- Replace your smoke alarm every 10 years, or sooner if it is not working properly.
In addition to installing and maintaining working smoke alarms, residents are encouraged to prepare and practice a home fire escape plan. Your plan should include knowing two ways out of every room, having a designated meeting spot outside, and practicing the escape plan with your family.
If your smoke alarm sounds:
- Get outside and stay outside.
- Call 9-1-1 from a safe location.
- Do not go back inside until firefighters say it’s safe to do so.
Smoke alarms are not optional – they are required by law in all homes in Ontario. If you are a renter, landlords are responsible for ensuring their rental properties have working alarms, and tenants must not tamper with them.
Residents are encouraged to test their smoke alarms at home on this day and share their participation online by using the hashtag #SavedByTheBeep. To learn more about the campaign, visit www.savedbythebeep.ca
