Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms save lives
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Vaughan Fire and Rescue
Service provides tips to help keep your family safe
Did you know you should check your smoke and carbon monoxide
(CO) alarms once a month? Vaughan Fire and Rescue Service (VFRS) is reminding
residents to test their alarms and that proper maintenance will help ensure
they are in good working order in the event of an emergency.
Be sure to follow these essential tips
from VFRS:
- Replace your CO alarms every five to 10 years and your smoke alarms every 10 years – they do expire and will have a date clearly marked on them.
- Use interconnected smoke alarms – when one alarm sounds, they should all sound throughout your home.
- Test all alarms at least once a month. Press the test button to be sure the alarm is working.
- Use special alarms for those who are hearing impaired – these alarms have strobe lights or bed shakers.
- Dust can clog a smoke alarm, so gently vacuum alarms every six months using a soft brush. Never vacuum electrically connected alarms unless you shut off the power. Test your unit when you are finished cleaning.
- Follow the manufacturer’s instructions when installing, testing and maintaining smoke alarms.
- Mount smoke alarms on the ceiling or high on the wall – no more than 12 inches (30 centimetres) from the ceiling. Don’t install alarms near windows, doors or ducts because a draft can interfere with their operation – so can painting or placing decorations over an alarm.
Remember, your CO alarm
sounds different than your smoke alarm. Test both alarms regularly and make
sure everyone in your home knows the difference between the two alarm sounds.
It’s also important to know the difference between the low-battery warning,
end-of-life warning and emergency alarm sounds – consult your smoke and CO
alarm manufacturer instructions.
Recently, VFRS was
presented with more than 550 smoke alarms through Safe Community Project Zero –
a public education campaign funded by Enbridge Gas and in collaboration with
the Fire Marshal’s Public Fire Safety Council. Over the past 14 years, the
program has provided more than 76,000 alarms for Ontario fire departments. The more
than 550 alarms provided to VFRS will be installed in homes across Vaughan. If
your smoke alarms require testing or you have a concern with them, you can
request assistance by contacting VFRS at firerescue@vaughan.ca to conduct a fire
safety check of your home.
For more
information and fire safety tips, visit vaughan.ca/fire and watch the City’s video on the importance of checking your alarms.