Smoke Alarms Save Lives
Working smoke alarms are your first line of defense in a fire. They provide early warning, giving you and your family time to escape safely. Install them on every storey of your home and outside all sleeping areas — test them monthly and never remove the batteries. A working smoke alarm can mean the difference between life and death.
Legal Requirements in Ontario
Under the Ontario Fire Code, every home in Ontario is legally required to have working smoke alarms on every storey and outside all sleeping areas.
This applies to:
-
Single-family homes
-
Apartments and condos
-
Rental properties (including basement apartments)
It is the law — and failure to comply can result in fines up to $50,000 for individuals and $100,000 for corporations.
Your Responsibilities
✅ Homeowners
-
Install smoke alarms on every storey and outside all sleeping areas.
-
Test smoke alarms monthly.
-
Replace batteries at least once a year.
-
Replace smoke alarms every 10 years, or according to manufacturer’s instructions.
✅ Landlords
-
Ensure smoke alarms are installed and maintained in all rental units.
-
Test smoke alarms annually and when the unit is re-rented.
-
Provide tenants with smoke alarm information and maintenance instructions.
✅ Tenants
-
Notify the landlord immediately if a smoke alarm is not working.
-
Never tamper with or disable a smoke alarm — it’s illegal and dangerous.
Testing & Maintenance Tips
-
Press the test button on each smoke alarm once a month.
-
Vacuum alarms gently every 6 months to remove dust.
-
Replace batteries if you hear the low-battery “chirp” or once a year.
-
Mark your calendar — smoke alarms expire 10 years from the manufacture date.
Types of Smoke Alarms
-
Ionization: Quick response to flaming fires.
-
Photoelectric: Better at detecting slow, smoldering fires.
-
Dual-sensor: Combines both technologies for broader protection.
Consider interconnected alarms: when one sounds, they all sound.
Smoke Alarm Programs
The Brockville Fire Department offers the following programs:
- Home Safety Awareness Program
- Free smoke alarm checks (on request)
-
Alarm installation for seniors or vulnerable residents
-
The Saved by the Beep campaign — public awareness about testing alarms
Call Fire Prevention at 613-498-1261 to inquire about our programs.
🔥 “Saved by the Beep” – Ontario-Wide Campaign
Ontario’s fire services are promoting the #SavedByTheBeep campaign to encourage monthly testing of smoke alarms. The simple act of pressing the test button could save your life.
Smoke alarms save lives. Three out of five fire deaths happen in homes with either no smoke alarms or no working smoke alarms. When there is a fire, smoke spreads fast – smoke alarms give you time to get out.