City of Toronto Media Relations has issued the following:
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News Release: October 31, 2014
Time to change batteries for smoke and carbon monoxide
alarms
Daylight saving time ends this weekend, when the clocks
are turned back an hour. The City of Toronto's Fire Services advises residents
that the annual fall time change serves as a good reminder to replace the
batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide alarms.
Every home in Ontario must have a working smoke alarm on
every level and outside all sleeping areas. The law now also requires homes
with fuel-burning appliances or an attached garage to have carbon monoxide
alarms outside all sleeping areas.
"By installing and maintaining working smoke and
carbon monoxide alarms, you are ensuring that your family is equipped with the
best protection against a fire emergency and carbon monoxide poisoning,” said
Toronto Fire Chief Jim Sales.
Tips:
• Read the manufacturer’s instructions on correct
placement, testing and maintenance when installing smoke and carbon monoxide
alarms.
• Test your alarms every month using the test button.
• Replace alarm batteries at least once a year and
whenever the low-battery warning sounds.
• Replace smoke alarms if they are 10 years old or older
and replace carbon monoxide alarms if they are seven years old or older.
• Plan and practise your home escape plan so everyone
knows exactly what to do in an emergency.
It is the responsibility of homeowners to install and
maintain their smoke and carbon monoxide alarms. It is the responsibility of
landlords to ensure that their rental properties comply with the law. Tenants
whose rented properties do not have the required number of smoke and carbon
monoxide alarms should contact their landlord immediately. It is against the
law for tenants to remove batteries or to tamper with their alarms in any way.
Failure to comply with the Ontario Fire Code smoke alarm
requirements could, upon conviction, result in a maximum fine of up to $50,000
for individuals, imprisonment, or both, and up to $100,000 for corporations,
imprisonment, or both.
More information is available at http://www.toronto.ca/fire/prevention.
This news release is also available on the City's
website: http://bit.ly/1sRvwL6
Toronto is Canada's largest city, the fourth largest in
North America, and home to a diverse population of about 2.8 million people. It
is a global centre for business, finance, arts and culture and is consistently
ranked one of the world's most livable cities. Toronto is proud to be the Host
City for the 2015 Pan American and Parapan American Games. For information on
non-emergency City services and programs, Toronto residents, businesses and
visitors can visit http://www.toronto.ca,
call 311, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, or follow us @TorontoComms.
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Media contact: Toronto Fire Services Media Line,
416-338-0763
