Did you know? 86% of Canadian fire deaths occur in residential homes. A high percentage of these deaths were in homes without smoke alarms or where the smoke alarm failed to operate.
Dead or missing batteries are the main reason most alarms failed to operate. The toxic smoke and gases from a fire put you into a deeper sleep, too often making it impossible for you to escape. That's why smoke alarms are so important – the sound they make provides the early warning you and your family need to escape.
Follow these tips to ensure your home is equipped to alert you at any signs of fire.
Smoke Alarm Safety Tips
- Install smoke alarms in every bedroom, outside each sleeping area and on every level of your home, including the basement.
- Smoke alarms should be on the ceiling or high on a wall. Keep smoke alarms away from the kitchen to reduce false alarms. They should be at least 10 feet (3 metres) from the stove.
- Test all smoke alarms every month by pushing the test button.
- Change smoke alarm batteries every six months. or purchase smoke alarms with a sealed ten-year battery.
- Hardwired smoke alarms require a battery backup in case of a power outage.
- It is best to use interconnected smoke alarms. When one smoke alarm sounds, they all sound.
- People who are hard-of-hearing or deaf can use special alarms. These alarms have strobe lights and bed shakers.
- Replace all smoke alarms when they are 10 years old.
Contact Us
Penticton Fire Department
Phone: 250-490-2300
Email: fire@penticton.ca