Smoke and Carbon Monoxide

 The law applies to all single-family, semi-detached, and town homes, whether owned or rented. It is also recommended that smoke alarms be checked regularly and replaced in accordance with manufacturers' recommendations.

Penalties for Non-Compliance

Failure to comply with the Ontario Fire Code smoke alarm requirements can result in:

• Ticket: $295 fine plus applicable fees
• Fine for Homeowners, Tenants, and Landlords: Up to $50,000.

Working Smoke Alarms Save Lives

Most fatal fires occur at night when people are sleeping. Working smoke alarms detect smoke and sound to alert you.

Placement Tips

• Install alarms on the ceiling, as smoke rises.
• Avoid installing alarms in or adjacent to kitchens, bathrooms, or near air vents, windows, and ceiling fans.

Maintenance Tips

• Test Monthly: Press the test button on your smoke      alarms each month.
• Replace Batteries Regularly: Install a new battery in each alarm once a year. Replace immediately if warning beeps sound. A good reminder is to change batteries during Spring and Fall clock changes.
• Clean Annually: Use a vacuum cleaner to remove dust from the unit. Refer to the manufacturer’s instruction manual for details.

Types of Smoke Alarms

There are two main types of smoke alarms: ionization and photoelectric:

Power Sources

• Battery-Powered: Uses 9-volt or lithium batteries.
• Hardwired: Connected to 120-volt house wiring, often with battery backup to ensure operation during power outages.

Ionization Alarms

• Uses an ionization chamber and ionizing radiation.
• Responds quickly to flaming fires with smaller combustion particles.
• How It Works: Smoke particles neutralize ions, causing a drop in current and triggering the alarm.

Photoelectric Alarms

• Detects smoke by scattering light from particles.
• Responds quickly to smoldering fires.
• How It Works: Smoke scatters the light beam, directing it onto a sensor that triggers the alarm.

Which Method is Better?

Both ionization and photoelectric alarms are effective and must pass the same certification tests (ULC).

• Ionization Alarms: Better for flaming fires but may trigger false alarms from cooking. Built-in security warns users to replace batteries before failure.
• Photoelectric      Alarms: Better for smoldering fires. Backup      batteries can enhance reliability.

Additional Considerations

• High      humidity or steam can cause false alarms in both types.
• Ionization      alarms are typically less expensive but more sensitive to minute smoke      particles.

Remember: Proper maintenance and placement of smoke alarms are critical for your safety. Ensure you have working alarms in your home and a fire escape plan in place.

How to dispose of Smoke Alarms? 

East Gwillimbury Household Hazardous Waste and Recycling

 225 Garfield Wright Blvd, East Gwillimbury