Steps must be taken to prevent tragedies, says Centre Wellington Fire Chief Brad Patton.
“It is the priority Centre Wellington Fire and Rescue to ensure safety and protection of our citizens within our community.”
Patton added, “In light of the recent tragedies, we want to remind residents how important it is to have working Smoke alarms and Carbon Monoxide (CO) alarms in your home.”
He said, “Investigations into home fire deaths very often find that smoke alarms are either absent or did not sound due to missing or old batteries. If it is a matter of affordability, please contact us, we are here to help ensure the safety of you and your family.”
For homes with a fuel-burning appliance, fireplace or attached garage, Carbon Monoxide (CO) alarms must be installed outside all sleeping areas within the home.
Centre Wellington Fire recommends installing smoke and CO alarms on every level of the home, as well as outside bedrooms to be sure those inside are alerted in the event of an emergency.
Alarms need to be checked monthly to make sure they are working properly. Because smoke rises, it is recommended smoke alarms be placed on the ceiling. Avoid installing smoke alarms near bathrooms, heating appliances, windows and ceiling fans.
The smoke alarm should be installed between each sleeping area and the remainder of the building or where a sleeping area is served by a hallway, install the alarm in the hallways.
Always install the smoke alarm on or near the ceiling in accordance with the manufacturer’s installation instructions.
It is the law for all Ontario homes to have a working smoke alarm on every storey and outside all sleeping areas. This covers single family, semi-detached, town homes and apartments, whether owner-occupied or rented.
For residents without smoke or CO alarms in the home, please contact Centre Wellington Fire for information or assistance at 519-843-1950.
