Working smoke and carbon monoxide alarms save lives

Vaughan Fire and Rescue Service share 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 everyone to test your alarms to help ensure they are in good working order in the event of an emergency.

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.
• Install combination smoke and CO alarms so you have less devices to test and maintain.
• If possible, 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 with strobe lights or bed shakers for those who are hearing impaired.
• 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 and away from corners. 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.

Today, VFRS was presented with more than 460 combination smoke and carbon monoxide alarms through Safe Community Project Zero – a public education campaign funded by Enbridge Gas Inc. in collaboration with the Ontario Fire Marshal’s Public Fire Safety Council. Over the past 16 years, the program has provided more than 100,000 alarms to Ontario fire departments. The more than 460 alarms provided to VFRS today 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. 

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