Every October, Fire Prevention Week reminds Canadians of the importance of fire safety at home and work. One of the simplest yet most effective ways to protect lives and property from fire is by ensuring smoke alarms are properly installed and maintained.
In 2022, Ontario reported 133 fire-related deaths – the highest number in over two decades. In 2021, there were 202 fire-related deaths across Canada, with three in four occurring in residential fires. These numbers are a powerful reminder of the importance of fire prevention and working smoke alarms.
As a property owner looking to safeguard your largest asset, it’s important to have working smoke alarms installed and maintained properly so you’re notified at the first sign of fire.
Tips for installation and maintenance
- Install a smoke alarm on every level of your home: Half of fatal fires occur at night while people are asleep, hence, it is recommended to install smoke alarms inside each bedroom and outside each sleeping area on every level of the home, including the basement.
- Position alarms correctly: Mount them on the ceiling near the center of the room when possible. If mounted on a wall, position them no more than 30 cm (12 inches) from the ceiling. Avoid installing alarms near bathrooms, heating appliances, ceiling fans or air vents, as they can interfere with proper detection or cause false alarms.
Image courtesy of Town of Brighton
- Choose long-life protection: More provinces across Canada are encouraging or requiring the use of 10-year sealed battery smoke alarms, which eliminate the need for regular battery changes and prevent late-night low-battery chirps.
- Follow NFPA guidelines: The National Fire Protection Association recommends replacing your smoke alarms every 10 years, as sensors can lose effectiveness over time. For models with replaceable batteries, change the batteries every six months.
- Choose the right technology: There are two types of smoke alarms: ionization smoke alarms and photoelectric smoke alarms:
(a) Ionization smoke alarms detect invisible fire particles associated with fast flaming fires sooner than photoelectric alarms.
(b) Photoelectric smoke alarms may detect fire particles associated with slow smouldering fires sooner than ionization alarms.
- Test monthly: Remember to test your home smoke detectors at least once a month and change the batteries at least every six months or whenever you hear the warning ‘beep’. Press the test button to make sure the alarm is functioning properly by using a smouldering incense stick to trigger the alarm. Typical carbon monoxide alarms should be replaced every five years.
- Keep alarms clean: Dust and debris can affect performance; consider cleaning your smoke alarm every six months, or as recommended by the manufacturer, using a soft brush or a vacuum cleaner to gently remove any dust buildup. Never clean your smoke alarm while it’s electrically connected.
Protect your home with insurance
Installing your smoke alarms correctly and ensuring they’re working properly are small steps you can take today to protect your property and keep your most valuable possessions safe from fire. Having the right insurance helps protect your building and business assets from fire and smoke-related losses. For any questions, contact your local fire department or visit our Risk Services page for more information.
This blog is provided for information only and is not a substitute for professional advice. We make no representations or warranties regarding the accuracy or completeness of the information and will not be responsible for any loss arising out of reliance on the information.
