The Smiths Falls Fire Department is calling on all residents of Smiths Falls to test their smoke alarms on September 28, 2023, as part of Test Your Smoke Alarm Day. Be prepared to be Saved by the Beep with working smoke alarms – it is your best chance to keep you and your family safe in the event of a fire.

The Town of Smiths Falls is joining communities across Ontario on September 28 by asking everyone to take a minute 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 working smoke alarms are in your home. “Lives can 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.”

Last year in Ontario, 133 people lost their lives to deadly fires. This is the highest number in over 20 years. Many of these fires were found to not have 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.

The Office of the Fire Marshal (OFM), with the support of fire services and fire safety partners across Ontario, is challenging Ontarians to test all smoke alarms in their homes on September 28.

To learn about the smoke alarm campaign, follow Smiths Falls Fire Department on Facebook and.

For more information, visit www.savedbythebeep.ca.

Quick Facts:

• 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 operating.