Fire Prevention and Education

It’s the Law!

Ontario Fire Code 2.16 States:

every building that contains a residential occupancy and

(a)  a fuel-burning appliance,

(b)  a fireplace, or

(c)  a storage garage.

You must have a working CO Alarm! Failure to do so can result in a fine of $295.00 plus victim Surcharge and Court fees ($360.00)

For more safety tips, visit:

• Carbon Monoxide Safety
• Office of the Fire Marshal
• Carbon Monoxide Safety House
• Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation Fire Prevention
• Technical Standards & Safety Association

Learn how to plan your escape: Plan your Escape

Every Second Counts! Plan Two Ways Out

The Aylmer Fire Department reminds residents and visitors of the town to always practice fire safety. Remember to change the batteries in your smoke alarms at least once a year and test them every month. It’s the law to have working smoke alarms in your home, on every level, outside bedrooms. For additional protection, smoke alarms should also be installed directly in the bedroom, as in new home construction.

Fire Code reference 2.13.2.(1) states:

2.13.2.1. (1) A smoke alarm shall be installed

(a)  if a sleeping area in a dwelling unit is served by a hallway, in the hallway,

(b)  if a sleeping area in a dwelling unit is not served by a hallway, between the sleeping area and the remainder of the dwelling unit,

(c)  if a sleeping room is not within a dwelling unit, in the sleeping room, and

(d)  on each storey without a sleeping area in a dwelling unit.

Failure to have installed working smoke alarms can result in a fine of $295.00 plus victim Surcharge and Court fees ($360.00)  or fine of up to $50,000 for individuals or $100,000 for corporations.

Important Smoke Alarm Information

Homeowners

It is the homeowner’s responsibility to install and maintain smoke alarms on every storey of their home and outside sleeping areas.

Landlords

It is the landlord’s responsibility to ensure their rental properties comply with the law.

Landlord is Responsible

2.13.1.2. Despite the definition of owner in Article 1.4.1.2. of Division A, in the case of a rental suite, only the landlord shall be considered to be the owner for the purpose of applying Article 1.2.1.1. of Division A to this Section.

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 the alarm in any way.

Choose the right alarms

Smoke alarms are available with different features and applications, so choosing the right alarm can be confusing. Some of the features to consider include:

Ionization smoke alarms are generally more responsive to flaming fires.
How they work: Ionization-type smoke alarms have a small amount of radioactive material between two electrically charged plates, which ionizes the air and causes current to flow between the plates. When smoke enters the chamber, it disrupts the flow of ions, thus reducing the flow of current and activating the alarm

Photoelectric smoke alarms are generally more responsive to fires that begin with a long period of smoldering (called “smoldering fires”).
How they work: Photoelectric-type alarms aim a light source into a sensing chamber at an angle away from the sensor. Smoke enters the chamber, reflecting light onto the light sensor; triggering the alarm

For best protection, use both types of smoke alarm technologies

For best protection, it is recommended both (ionization and photoelectric) technologies be used in homes. In addition to individual ionization and photoelectric alarms, combination alarms that include both technologies in a single device are available.

Power source

Smoke alarms can be powered electrically, by batteries or both. If you are installing an electrically powered alarm, we recommend that it have a battery backup in case of power failures.

Technology

Most smoke alarms employ either ionization or photo-electric technology. Ionization alarms may respond slightly faster to flaming-type fires. Photo-electric alarms may be quicker at detecting slow, smouldering fires. Consider having both types of alarms in your home. When purchasing smoke alarms, make sure they have the logo of a recognized standards testing agency, such as CSA or ULC, to ensure they meet Canadian performance standards.

Install in the proper locations

Smoke alarms must be installed on each storey of the home and outside sleeping areas. Because smoke rises, smoke alarms should be installed on the ceiling. If this is not possible, install the alarm high up on a wall. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions when installing smoke alarms.

Avoid putting smoke alarms too close to:

• Bathrooms
• Windows
• Ceiling fans
• Heating and cooking appliances

Vacuum alarms annually:

• Dust can clog your smoke alarms. Battery-powered smoke alarms should be cleaned by opening the cover of the alarm and gently vacuuming the inside with a soft bristle brush.
• For electrically connected smoke alarms, first shut off the power to the unit, and then gently vacuum the outside vents of the alarm only. Turn the power back on and test the alarm.

Replace older smoke alarms:

• All smoke alarms wear out. Replace them every 10 years according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Handle nuisance alarms

Steam from the shower, oven, stove or toaster can cause smoke alarms to activate. If these types of nuisance alarms occur, do not remove the battery. To reduce nuisance alarms:

• Relocate the alarm, moving the alarm a short distance can make the difference
• Install a smoke alarm with a pause button that will allow you to temporarily silence the alarm
• Replace alarms located near kitchens with photo-electric types

Prevent Candle Fires

Kitchen Fire Safety Tips:

• Stay in the kitchen when cooking – especially if using oil or high temperatures
• Keep a proper-fitting pot lid near the stove when cooking. If a pot catches fire, slide the lid over the pot and turn off the stove. Do not move the pan.
• Keep children away from the stove.
• Make sure electrical cords are not dangling from counter tops, where they could be pulled over by small children.

Prevent Cooking Fires

What is PAL? PAL is a:

Program for

Aylmer residents with

Limitations

PAL is a free program provided by the Aylmer Fire Department that offers assistance to seniors 65+ or anyone with a disability or limited mobility who needs help maintaining smoke/CO alarms and batteries.

Appointments are scheduled Monday through Thursday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

If you need assistance with fire safety, let us be your PAL.

To schedule an appointment, contact the Aylmer Fire Department at 519-773-4905 or by email.