Right now is a good time to check your smoke alarm

Sault Ste. Marie Fire Services is holding two open houses this year to mark Fire Prevention Week Oct. 6 to 12.

There will be two separate open house events. The first is located at Fire hall #3 (100 Bennet Blvd.) scheduled Oct. 5 from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. The second is located at Fire Hall No. 2 (363 Second Line W.) Oct. 12 from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. There will be a chance to speak with fire services staff members, accompanied by giveaways, fire extinguisher training, equipment demonstrations and a free M&M’s BBQ.

This year’s theme is “Smoke Alarms. Make Them Work For You.”

Some helpful reminders about smoke alarms include:

• Test smoke alarms monthly. Push the button and hear the ‘beep’.
• Change the batteries in your alarms at least once a year.
• Replace smoke alarms according to manufacturer’s instructions; typically, every 10 years, or if they are not functioning properly.
• Smoke alarms have been legally required to be installed on every storey of a residence in Ontario since 2006.
• Residences such as: vacation homes, cabins, trailers, RVs, and cottages, also require smoke alarms on every storey.
• 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 operating.
• Develop a home escape plan with the people you live with, to ensure every knows how to get out of the home quickly in the event of a fire.

"Our main goal is always to try to prevent fires from happening. However, if the untimely event of a fire occurs, having working smoke alarms on every storey of the home can be the difference maker by giving people the much-needed time to escape safely. It’s a simple thing to have, but it could save your life,” said Public Education Officer Aaron Gravelle.

For more information, please contact Fire Services at (705) 949-3333, [email protected] or visit www.saultstemarie.ca/fireservices.