Safety Tip

This information provides essential guidance on how to properly install and maintain smoke alarms for fire safety. Here are the key points:

1. Installation of Smoke Alarms:
   • Place smoke alarms outside every sleeping area, on every level of the home, and at the bottom of the basement stairs.
   • If bedroom doors are closed at night, install alarms inside bedrooms as well.
   • For extra safety, install alarms in dining rooms, living rooms, utility rooms, and hallways.
   • Mount alarms on ceilings, about 15 cm (6 inches) away from walls, and place them directly above the top step in stairwells.
2. Testing and Hearing Smoke Alarms:
   • Test alarms while the family is sleeping to ensure they can wake up and react to an alarm during the night.
3. Choosing and Maintaining Smoke Alarms:
   • Smoke alarms can be battery-powered or wired into your home’s electrical system (with battery backup). Battery alarms are easy to install, while wired alarms require a qualified electrician.
   • Different alarms respond to different types of fires: ionization alarms respond to fast-flaming fires, and photoelectric alarms respond to slow-smouldering fires.
   • Test alarms monthly and change batteries annually (e.g., “Change your clock—change your battery”).
   • Clean alarms twice a year and replace units that are over 10 years old or malfunctioning.
4. Fire Escape Planning:
   • Practice a fire escape route with your family, identifying two exits from every room.
   • Once out of the building, stay out and call the fire department from a neighbour’s house.
   • Regularly practicing the escape plan helps reduce panic during an actual fire.

By following these steps, you can protect both your loved ones and belongings from fire hazards.