How often do you check your smoke alarms?
Ontario’s second annual Test Your Smoke Alarm Day is set for this Saturday. The province-wide initiative aims to raise awareness surrounding fire safety, home escape planning and household smoke alarms.
The “Saved by the Beep” campaign invites Ontarians to test their smoke alarm on Sept. 28.
In 2022, there were 133 fire fatalities in the province, and numbers did not decrease significantly last.
Jess Jorritsma, Fire Administrative Assistant and Public Educator and Shay Herrett, Fire Prevention Officer, with The Perth East & West Perth Fire Departments, explained the importance of education around fire safety.
“We’re just encouraging everybody to learn more about smoke alarms, fire safety and home escape planning,” said Jorritsma.
Smoke detectors should be installed in every level of the home, particularly outside sleeping areas. They should be tested at least once a month and checked that they are in date. Smoke alarms do have a lifespan of around 10 years from its manufacturing date.
It is also important to have a fire escape plan for your home in case of a fire emergency.
“When the alarm rings, that really isn’t the time to figure things out, you have very minimal time potentially two minutes or less to leave your home,” said Jorritsma.
Be sure to test your smoke alarms this Saturday and if you have questions regarding fire safety, reach out to your local fire department.
