MAPLETON – Mapleton Fire and Rescue wants local residents to think of smoke and carbon monoxide alarms as “heroes” in their homes.
The local fire department is embarking on a campaign to ensure local residents comply with requirements to have working alarms.
“Our ‘hero’ is named after an Ontario Fire Marshal brochure showing that smoke and carbon monoxide alarms in our residences are the heroes,” states Fire Chief Rick Richardson.
“Our goal is to have every property owner determine the number of alarms required in their home, make sure the proper amount are installed, then check them with the ‘test’ button,” said Richardson.
After conducting the test, residents can go to the Mapleton Township website to verify they have completed this task.
Another option is to mail in a form that will come with February’s tax bill, or phone the township office with confirmation.
“We hope that a majority of the residents perform this function, so they can be taken off our non-compliant list. After the end of March, we will conduct phone calls and emails to encourage them to be taken off our list,” Richardson stated.
The fire chief points out the provincial offence charge for non-compliance is $295 plus costs for every missing or a non-working alarm.
“We will take our ticket book to homes not completing their test after all efforts have been taken to complete the project,” Richardson said. However, he added, “Make no mistake. We do not want their money – we want them to be compliant.”
The fire department notes that landlords are responsible to install working smoke and carbon monoxide alarms. Officials are urging renters with concerns to contact their landlord.
Information provided by the fire marshal’s office indicates that one in three fire deaths happen in homes with no working smoke alarms, and over 65 per cent of carbon monoxide deaths and injuries occur in homes.
Provincial legislation requires a smoke alarm on every storey of a dwelling, as well as the hallways of each sleeping area or within the sleeping room.
Carbon monoxide alarms should be installed outside all sleeping areas if a home has a fuel burning appliance, fireplace or attached garage.
Alarms should be tested monthly and replaced every 10 years or earlier according to manufacture recommendations.
Anyone needing help installing or checking alarms is can contact the township at fireprevention@mapleton.on.ca or 519-638-3313 ext. 20.
