2010

Smoke Detectors to be installed in your premise it is the Law

*Effective March 1, 2006  the Ontario Fire Code was amended to require working smoke alarms be installed on every level of a residential occupancy, which would include home, apartment condominium etc.  The fines for not complying with the new provincial legislation could be a fine of up to $25,000 or 1 year in jail for private residence and up to a $50, 000 fine if the property owner is a corporation. 

The essence of the new law is to ensure that you and your family are protected in case of a fire. 

Maintenance and Testing of Smoke Alarms

* Monthly test your smoke alarms using the test button 

** Replace the batteries at least once a year.  Another recommendation would be to replace them when you change your clocks to SPRING ahead and FALL back, then you really never have to remember the annual anniversary date.  

*** Every now and then vacuum out your smoke alarms to eliminate dust build up.  Usually a recommendation guide on how to do it in in the manufacturers guide

**** Smoke alarms do not last a lifetime, replace them at least every 10 years - there are different varieties of smoke alarms out in the market so ask at your local retailer what type is best for you.  

Also, a feature that can be taken into consideration for owners of Alarm Security Systems.  With this new law in effect, a hard wired smoke detector can be added to your security system and the signals (if monitored) can be sent to a centralized station.  There are many benefits to this feature but a couple examples are as follows.  If your smoke alarms goes off (which generates a loud audible when activated) in the middle of the night, a signal is also generated and sent to the monitoring station, the Fire Department can be dispatched and would be en route while you are trying to get your family safely out of the premise.  Another scenario could be, you are NOT at home to hear the smoke alarm sound, it goes off, you would not be there to contact the Fire Department but if the signal was being sent to a monitoring station, then they would be able to dispatch the Fire Department to respond.  This quick action on the part of the monitoring station, could save your house from complete devastation and perhaps save your home and pets.  Remember we all work very hard to make a HOME for our families, lets keep them safe.

If there are any questions regarding this new law or how to enhance your existing security system to provide fire protection, please feel free to contact our office at 905-827-6655

Elham Chowdhury, Sales Co-Ordinator                           

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