Don’t Wait – Check the Date, say Firefighters

October 7, 2016 · 0 Comments

By Michelle Janzen

The Shelburne and District Firefighters Associations, in cooperation with the Shelburne and District Fire Department, was buzzing with activity this past Saturday as they hosted an open house.

Despite the rainy day, many local residences attended the open house that had demonstrations, displays, a BBQ and draws to help kick off Fire Safety Week which runs October 9 to 15.

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) has named this yeas campaign, “Don’t Wait – Check the Date! Replace Smoke Alarms Every 10 Years,” in the final year of a three year effort to educate the public about basic but essential elements of smoke alarm safety.

The NFPA chose to focus on smoke alarms three years in a row as data shows that the public still has many misconceptions about smoke alarms, which could possibly put them at increased risk in the event of a fire.

Make sure you know how old all the smoke alarms are in your home. Smoke and CO alarms expire. To find out how old a smoke alarm is, look at the manufacture date on the back of the alarm. The alarm should be replaced 10 years from that date.

If you cannot find a date, replace the alarm with a new one.

With the largest percentage of fire deaths in the home occurring at night when people are sleeping, it is the law to have working smoke alarms to provide early warning and time to escape.

There are several types of smoke alarms with different features. Alarms can be electronically connected, battery powered or a combination of both. Many alarms have a pause or hush feature, which can be used to temporarily silence nuisance alarms (like when your husband burns toast).

It is best to install smoke alarms on ceilings because smoke rises. If that’s not an option, they can be placed high on the wall in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. It is best to avoid placing alarms close to bathrooms, heating appliances, windows and ceiling fans. For added protection, install additional alarms inside each bedroom.

Test your smoke alarms monthly and make sure to change the batteries at least once a year. I always replace mine at Thanksgiving.

Homeowners and landlords are responsible to install and maintain smoke alarms. If you are a tenant of a rental property it is against the law to remove the batteries or tamper with the smoke alarms in any way.

If you are a tenant of a rental property and do not have the required number of smoke alarms, contact your landlord immediately. It is against the law for tenants to remove the batteries or tamper with the smoke alarms in any way.

Carbon Monoxide (CO) is a poisonous gas that you cannot hear, see, smell or taste. It is called the “silent killer” and in enclosed spaces like our home, cottage or vehicle, even a small amount of CO is dangerous and can be life threatening.

In October 2014, it became law in Ontario and was phased in up until April 15, 2015 the CO alarms must be installed in each sleeping areas in all homes and residential buildings with fuel burning appliance, heating systems, fireplaces or attached garages. Failure to comply could result in a ticket of $360 or prosecution.

If your CO alarm sounds, do not assume it’s a false alarm. If you are not experiencing symptoms, reset the alarm and check to see if it activates again. If the alarm sounds a second time, call the fire department for assistance.

If the alarm does not sound a second time, check for common triggers that may have caused the alarm or contact a qualified heating contractor to inspect and service your heating equipment and appliances.

If you or anyone in your home is experience symptoms of CO poisoning call 9 1 1 from a neighbour’s phone or from your mobile device. Do not re-enter your home!

The fire department will test for carbon monoxide in the home and let you know if it is safe to go back in or advice you that there is a CO concern.