DID YOU KNOW?
Tragically, there were 111 fire-related deaths in Ontario in 2024. In addition, 2025 has already witnessed an alarming number of fatal fires within our province. The recent March Break was marked by extreme tragedy, with families experiencing devastating and permanent losses. All of these preventable tragedies of 2024 and early 2025 have claimed precious lives – mothers, fathers, grandparents and even children – so many years of potential life lost!
ARE YOU PREPARED?
FIRE SAFETY and the role it plays in your life depend on many things, including your attitude. All of us need to learn how to protect ourselves and family members from the hazards of fire. Additionally, being prepared for the event of a fire must include WORKING SMOKE ALARMS and a well-practiced home FIRE ESCAPE PLAN.
FIRE-RELATED DEATHS
Most fire-related deaths occur in homes – where we (people) feel safe and secure – that do not have WORKING SMOKE ALARMS. As well, many fire-related deaths occur at night when everyone is asleep; surviving a fire hinges on early detection and escaping quickly!
Remember, when YOU’RE ASLEEP … YOUR NOSE IS ASLEEP! From the moment a smoke alarm sounds you may have as little as 60 seconds or less time to safely escape a fire in your home. Smoke – which is the real killer – can totally engulf your home or cabin/cottage/camp in 60 seconds or less! SMOKE is QUIET and DEADLY… it will cover you and your loved ones like a BLANKET!
BE ON THE BALL & INSTALL
Install WORKING SMOKE ALARMS in every bedroom, outside each separate sleeping area (like a hallway), and on each level (including the basement) of the home, as well as the cabin/cottage/camp. Consider interconnected smoke alarms; when one sounds, they all sound.
Furthermore, make sure smoke alarms meet the needs of all family members who are deaf or hard of hearing. There are devices that include flashing strobe lights for visual alerts, and a pillow or bed shaker activated by the sound of a standard smoke alarm. Visit the Canadian Hearing Services website at www.chs.ca for more information.
TEST
Test your smoke alarms at least once a month by pushing the alarm test button. When the test button is pressed, the alarm should sound. If it fails to sound, make sure the battery is installed correctly or install a new battery. If the alarm still fails to sound, replace the smoke alarm with a new one.
CHANGE BATTERIES
Change Batteries at least once a year, or as recommended by the manufacturer. Install a new battery if the low-battery warning sounds (chirps) or if the alarm fails to sound when tested.
CLEAN
Follow the manufacturer’s directions for cleaning your smoke alarm.
REPLACE
Age matters! All smoke alarms wear out. Replace them every 10 years according to the manufacturer instructions, including those that are hardwired/electrical.
NO ONE NEEDS TO DIE IN A FIRE
No one needs to die in a fire; a fire claiming lives is a preventable tragedy. To ensure your family’s safety, proactive responsibility is paramount. Ultimately, your family’s safety is your responsibility.
THE DEADLY BLANKET
If ever, the deadly blanket of smoke descends upon your household—you could be lost in your own home—the only light will be deadly, and coming your way!
TEST ALL YOUR SMOKE ALARMS TODAY!
Fire Safety—it starts with you!
