KAWARTHA LAKES-Last year, Ontario lost 133 people to deadly fires – the highest number in over 20 years. Many of these fires were found to have no working smoke alarms and stand as a reminder that only working smoke alarms will alert you to a fire and give you and your loved ones enough time to safely escape.
Fire Chief Terry Jones is calling on all residents of Kawartha Lakes to test their smoke alarms today for Test Your Smoke Alarm Day.
Kawartha Lakes is joining communities across Ontario on September 28 by asking everyone to take a minute and to ensure that there are working smoke alarms installed in their home.
“Being prepared to act in the event of a fire can start with simply pressing the test button and having the confidence that a working smoke alarm is in your home,” said Chief Jones. “Lives will be saved by regularly testing smoke alarms at least once a month, refreshing batteries at least once a year, and replacing smoke alarms older than 10 years.”
“In Ontario, we’ve seen a significant rise in fatal fires and the number of people we have lost in these fires is very concerning,” said Ontario Fire Marshal Jon Pegg. “Entire families have been lost to fire and the most troubling part is that the majority of these fires did not have a working smoke alarm in the home. Had there been working smoke alarms, and a well thought out and practised home fire escape plan, these deaths may have been prevented.”
Be prepared to be Saved by the Beep with a working smoke alarm – it is your best chance to keep you and your family safe in the event of a fire.
Smoke alarms have been legally required to be installed on every storey of a residence in Ontario since 2006. Residences also include vacation homes, cabins, trailers, RVs, and cottages. Landlords must test alarms annually, after the battery is replaced, and after every change in tenancy. Renters must notify their landlord as soon as they become aware that a smoke alarm is not operational.
