We love a good laugh, but we're serious when it comes to fire safety. Testing your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms regularly is essential to keeping your home safe. We’ve got tips, tricks, and a few friendly reminders to help you stay on top of your fire safety game—because when it comes to your family’s safety, it’s no joke!

Every home in Ontario is required by law to have working smoke alarms on every storey and outside all sleeping areas. For added protection, install working smoke alarms in every bedroom. Read on for more information about your responsibilities when it comes to smoke alarms, how to install them, and more.

Homeowners

• Homeowners must install and maintain smoke alarms on every storey of their homes and outside all sleeping areas. For added protection, install working smoke alarms in every bedroom.

Building Owners

• Building owners are responsible for installing and maintaining working smoke alarms in their rental properties.
• Building owners are required to test smoke alarms in rental units annually and when the battery is replaced, changes are made to the electric circuit, or a change of tenancy occurs.

Tenants

• Tenants are required by law to notify the building owner if the smoke alarm in the rental unit is disconnected, not operating, or the operation is impaired.
• It is against the law for tenants to remove the batteries or tamper with the alarm.

• There are many types of smoke alarms. Smoke alarms can be hardwired, battery-operated, or both. When replacing a smoke alarm, you must replace it with the same type that was there.
• Because smoke rises, ceilings are the best location to mount your smoke alarms. Avoid placing alarms near bathrooms, heating appliances, windows and ceiling fans. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions when installing smoke alarms.
• Test smoke alarms at least every month by pressing the test button and listening for the three-beep alarm.
• Replace smoke alarm batteries at least once a year, and whenever the low-battery warning chirps.
• Smoke alarms don't last forever. Replace smoke alarms according to the manufacturer's instructions, usually every 10 years.
• When replacing interconnected smoke alarms, it is advisable to replace all units in the system at the same time. If you need to replace a single malfunctioning alarm, make sure the new alarm is compatible with the existing units. You cannot replace a hard-wired smoke alarm with a battery-­operated smoke alarm.

If a smoke alarm frequently activates due to cooking or using the shower, do not remove the battery.

Try moving the smoke alarm, buying a smoke alarm with a hush feature, or replacing alarms located near kitchens with photoelectric types.

• If your smoke alarm detects smoke, it will sound a loud, three-beep alarm pattern.
• In the event of a fire, you may have less than 60 seconds to escape danger safely. It's important to talk with all family members and guests about a home fire escape plan and practice the plan twice a year.
• If a fire occurs in your home, follow your family's home fire escape plan. Remember to GET OUT, STAY OUT and CALL 911. Never go back inside a burning home for anything or anyone.