Smoke Alarms

Smoke Alarm Pointers to Save your Life

1. Choose the right smoke alarms. There are many types of smoke alarms available with different power sources, technologies and features. Before purchasing smoke alarms, visit the Office of the Fire Marshall website for information, or contact the fire department.

2. Install in the proper locations. Ontario law requires that working smoke alarms be located on every storey of the home and outside all sleeping areas. Avoid installing smoke alarms in or adjacent to kitchens and bathrooms, or near air vents, windows and ceiling fans.

3. If a smoke alarm frequently activates due to cooking activities or using the shower do not remove the battery! Try moving the smoke alarm, purchasing a smoke alarm with a hush feature, or replacing ionization alarms located near kitchens with photoelectric alarms. 
4. Install a new battery at least once a year or whenever the low-battery warning sounds. Test the smoke alarm after installing a new battery.
5. Smoke alarms should be tested monthly, and upon returning home after an absence of more than a few days. If the alarm fails to sound when the test button is pressed, make sure the battery is installed correctly, or install a new battery. If the alarm still fails to sound, replace the smoke alarm with a new one.
6. Smoke alarms more than ten years old should be replaced with new ones.
7. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for installing, testing and maintaining smoke alarms.

Nuisance Alarms a Problem?

If your smoke alarm frequently goes off when you’re cooking or using the shower, do not remove the battery or disconnect the power source.

Disabling a smoke alarm will leave your home vulnerable in a real fire emergency and it’s against the law. Instead, try the following practical solutions to end frequent nuisance alarms:

• Keep stove burners and ovens clean, adjust the timer setting on the toaster and use the range hood fan.
• Install smoke alarms with a “hush” feature. These devices have a button that, when pressed, will temporarily silence the alarm for 7 – 10 minutes, then automatically reset itself.
• The smoke alarm may be too close to the kitchen or bathroom and moving it to a different location could significantly reduce nuisance alarms. Battery-operated smoke alarms can be easily moved by homeowners; however electrically-connected alarms will require the services of an electrician.
• Try a different type of smoke alarm. There are two common types of smoke alarm technologies: Ionization and photoelectric. Photoelectric alarms are less prone to activate due to cooking activities. Replacing ionization smoke alarms located near kitchens with photoelectric alarms may solve the problem.
• Smoke alarms wear out over time and may be more likely to activate unnecessarily. If your smoke alarms are more than ten years old, replace them with new ones.