In the wake of a fatal fire in Oshawa, Ont. on Jan. 8, and recent structure fires occurring in the area, the McDougall Fire Department wants to remind the public to make sure that they have working smoke alarms on every storey of their home and outside all sleeping areas, and have practised a home fire escape plan with everyone in their home.
It has been determined there were no working smoke alarms in the fatal fire in Oshawa.
“Many fatal fires occur when everyone is asleep, so early warning is crucial to survival,” said fire Chief Brian Leduc. “The Ontario Fire Code requires working smoke alarms on every storey of the home and outside all sleeping areas. Larger homes may require additional smoke alarms.”
Just as important as having working smoke alarms is making sure you have working CO alarms if your home has fuel-burning appliances, fireplace, wood-stove or attached garage.
It is the law in Ontario that every home, apartment, cottage and bunkie has working smoke and CO alarms. It is the responsibility of every owner, landlord, tenant or occupant to comply with the law.
“To ensure these types of tragedies do not happen in municipality of McDougall … crews will be visiting homes, cottages and apartments checking for smoke/CO alarm compliance from June to October in an effort to educate and evaluate early detection compliance rates. So when the firefighters arrive at your door, take the time to hear the message and if need be, have the crew members check your residence for smoke/CO alarm best practice,” said Leduc.
Simple smoke and carbon monoxide alarm tips:
• Install smoke alarms on every storey and outside all sleeping areas of your home according to manufacturer’s recommendations.
• Install carbon monoxide alarms outside all sleeping areas according to manufacturer’s recommendations; if your home has a fuel-burning appliance, fireplace, wood-stove or attached garage.
• Test smoke and carbon monoxide alarms monthly by pressing the test button.
• Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms wear out over time. Replace alarms according to manufacturer’s recommendations.
Link to original article in Parry Sound North Star: McDougall fire department checking homes for smoke/CO alarms