City of Kingston promotes smoke and carbon monoxide alarm safety during National Fire Prevention Week

As part of National Fire Prevention Week, Oct. 6-12, 2024, the City of Kingston reminds residents of the critical importance of working smoke and carbon monoxide alarms in their homes – installed, tested and replaced on schedule. 

Smoke alarms should be installed in every bedroom, outside every sleeping area, and on each level of the home. Put a carbon monoxide alarm near where people sleep, and for extra safety, have an alarm on every floor. 

“Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms save lives, but they must be in working order to keep you and your family safe,” says Ted Posadowski, City of Kingston Chief Fire Prevention Officer. “Every second counts during a fire or other emergency, and a working alarm gives you the time you need to get to safety. “ 

According to Statistics Canada, homes without a working smoke alarm, including those without an installed alarm or whose status was unknown, accounted for nearly three out of four residential fire-related deaths from 2015 to 2021. 

Key Tips to Keep Safe:

• Test alarms monthly: Test smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors monthly to ensure proper operation.
• Change batteries twice a year: Replace batteries in alarms every six months to keep them operational.
• Replace alarms on schedule: Replace smoke alarms every 10 years and carbon monoxide alarms every seven years. 
• Complete a home fire safety self-inspection: Kingston Fire and Rescue offers 15 essential fire safety tips to protect you, your family and your housemates from residential fires and injuries. 

Residents whose homes are nearing or have reached ten years of age can expect to receive a postcard in the mail. This postcard will remind them about when their smoke alarms need to be replaced and invite them to conduct a home fire safety self-inspection. 

Regardless of how old their home is, all residents are encouraged to take this chance to test their alarms, replace them if needed, and do the self-inspection for extra peace of mind. 

For more information on fire safety, visit Kingston Fire and Rescue.