Ontario’s first Test Your Smoke Alarm Day will take place this Thursday, Sept. 28, and the Cambridge Fire Department is reminding residents that they could be ‘saved by the beep.’
In a news release, Cambridge Fire encouraged residents to participate in the event by testing all smoke alarms in the home and checking the dates on their alarms to ensure they haven’t expired.
"Residents can test their smoke alarms by following the manufacturer’s instructions and listening for the alarm. Ensuring all smoke and carbon monoxide alarms in the house are working could save lives in case of a fire," the fire department said.
The fire department notes that it is the law in Ontario to have working smoke alarms on every floor of the home and outside all sleeping areas.
"Tampering with or dismantling your smoke alarms is against the law. Failure to comply with Ontario Fire Code requirements can result in a ticket of $360 or a fine of up to $50,000," the fire department said.
A home fire escape plan is also one of the most important things residents can do with their family. "By working on a home escape plan together, they will know the safest way out of their home in the event of a fire, as they may only have 60 seconds or less to get out," the fire department said.
You can learn more about Test Your Smoke Alarm Day and fire safety tips at cambridge.ca/firesafety.
