Smoke Alarms

Smoke Alarms Save Lives

Home fires kill eight Canadians a week. While these fires represent 40 percent of all types of fires, they are responsible for 73 percent of fire deaths. Most of these deaths could be prevented by taking a few precautions.

Every month

Test your alarm: Press the button on your smoke alarm and keep it pressed down. The alarm should sound.
If your alarm has no button, it is outdated and must be replaced.
Another way to test the alarm is by holding a freshly extinguished candle under it. The alarm should sound within 20 seconds.
Let air circulate to get rid of the smoke and allow the alarm to turn off.

Twice a year

Change the batteries in all smoke alarms twice a year (for example, when you change your clocks in the fall and spring).

Every two years

Take the cover off and clean it with a damp cloth.
Carefully vacuum the inside of the alarm.
Put the cover back and make sure the alarm is working.

Every 10 years

Replace your smoke alarm. Some models last as little as 5 years.

If you can’t reach your smoke alarm or carbon monoxide detector or have any questions about them give the fire department a call at (604) 947-9324.

Last Updated on 2020-11-23 at 4:52 PM