Pelham Fire Department

Smoke Alarms

The Town of Pelham has a zero tolerance policy when it comes to the installation and maintenance of smoke alarms. There must be working smoke alarms installed in each dwelling unit as follows: at least one outside the bedroom(s) and at least one on each level of the dwelling unit. (Ontario Fire Code 1997, Division B Section 2.13).

The minimum fine for intentionally disabling a smoke alarm or not maintaining a smoke alarm properly is $235.00. This applies to tenants as well as landlords.

Choose the right alarms:

• Power source: either battery operated or hard-wired is acceptable. You may want to have a battery backup for electrically powered alarms in case of power failure.
• Technology: Most smoke alarms work either thought ionization or photo-electric technology. Ionization alarms may respond slightly faster to flaming-type fires, while photo-electric alarms may be quicker at detecting slow-smouldering fires.
• Pause feature: Smoke alarms with a pause button permit the alarm to be temporarily silenced without the disconnecting the power source.

Install in the proper locations:

• One on each storey of the home as well as outside sleeping areas.
• Install smoke alarms on the ceiling, as smoke rises.
• Follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
• Avoid putting smoke alarms too close to bathrooms, windows, ceiling fans and heating and cooking appliances.

Maintenance of smoke alarms:

• Test your smoke alarms every month by using the test button on the alarm. The alarm should sound. If it does not, replace the battery and try again or replace the alarm.
• Change the batteries once a year. Try to set a date easy to remember, such as when the clocks change.
• Vacuum alarms annually. Take the cover off and use a soft bristle brush to clean the inside. Disconnect the power first for hard wired smoke alarms. Test the alarm after vacuuming.
• Replace smoke alarms older than 10 years with new smoke alarms. Tip: write the date you installed the alarm on the battery cover with permanent marker so you know when it is time to change the alarm!