Replace your firm alarms every 10 years ... all models, all types!

When properly installed and maintained, smoke alarms can be the difference between life and death. It's the law to have working smoke alarms installed on every story of your home and outside all sleeping areas. Follow these tips to keep your family safe:

  • Test alarms at least once a month
  • If using battery-powered alarms, remember to replace batteries as needed, at least twice a year
  • Replace alarms every ten years
  • Install alarms according to manufacturer's instructions

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 the 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. It is against the law for tenants to remove the batteries or tamper with fire alarms.

Types of Fire Alarms

There are many different types of smoke detectors, such as battery-operated smoke alarms, hardwired alarms, interconnected smoke alarms, battery-backup alarms, combination smoke and carbon monoxide alarms and more. Conduct research to determine which smoke detector best matches your family's needs.

 

How Many Do I Need in My House?

Smoke alarms should be installed on every level of your home, including the basement. Fire detectors should also be installed inside of every bedroom and outside of each sleeping area. For example, a two-story home with three bedrooms should have at least seven smoke alarms. Homes that have a set number of hardwired alarms can still place additional battery-operated smoke alarms throughout the house. There is no such thing as having too many smoke alarms in your home! Just make sure fire detectors are properly placed in each area.

 

Recycling Your Used Alarms

The Fire Department teams up with First Alert to deliver Zero Waste, an exciting program that allows Canadians to recycle their used smoke, CO and combination alarms. Drop off your used alarms at the Municipality of Central Elgin's main office or any of the fire departments.

 

 

Carbon Monoxide CO and Smoke Alarm Locations