FAQs

We recommend testing your smoke & carbon monoxide alarms at least once a month. This can be done by pressing the test button on your alarms. 

All alarms are different, but can usually be tested by pressing, or pressing and holding the test button. For more specific information about your alarms, refer to the manufacturer's instructions. 

It is recommended that you change the batteries in your smoke & CO alarms twice per year, when changing the clocks for daylight savings time. The batteries should also be changed whenever the low battery warning chirps. However, some newer alarms have 10 year "worry-free" batteries that never need changing. When these alarms chirp, it usually means that they have reached the end of their life and it is time to replace the entire alarm. 

Smoke and CO alarms expire! All alarms that are over 10 years old should be replaced immediately. If you are unsure of the age of your alarms, you can look for a date from the manufacturer or the date that the alarm was installed somewhere on the back or side of the unit. If alarms appear to be damaged, they should be replaced. 

If you are unable to check your smoke alarms or change the batteries, or if you have any fire safety questions, we are happy to help! Please contact 905-985-2384 and ask to speak to Fire Prevention, or email fire@scugog.ca. 

Failure to comply with the Fire Code smoke alarm or carbon monoxide alarm requirements could result in a ticket of $360 or a fine of up to $50,000 for individuals ($100,000 for a second offence) or $500,000 for corporations ($1,500,000 for a second offence). 

• Built before 1976, one battery operated smoke alarm shall be installed on every level and outside of all sleeping areas.
• Built from 1976 to 1990, one electrically operated smoke alarm shall be installed outside sleeping areas and one battery operated smoke alarm shall be installed on all other levels.
• Built from 1990 to 2014, one electrically operated, interconnected smoke alarm shall be installed outside sleeping areas and on every level.
• Built after 2014 01 01, one electrically operated, interconnected smoke alarm with battery back-up shall be installed in each sleeping room and on every level.
• Built after 2015 01 01, one electrically operated, interconnected smoke alarm with battery back-up and visual indicator shall be installed in each sleeping room and on every level.