Mississauga Fire and Emergency Services joins Ontario for first-ever Test Your Smoke Alarm Day

Mississauga is joining communities across Ontario by creating awareness about the importance of testing smoke alarms. Mississauga Fire and Emergency Services (MFES) is encouraging all residents to test smoke alarms in their homes on Thursday, September 28 as part of the Province’s first-ever Test Your Smoke Alarm Day.

“Smoke alarms save lives. Test Your Smoke Alarm Day is a reminder for us all to double-check our smoke alarms. This small action could save someone’s life during a fire,” said Deryn Rizzi, Mississauga Fire Chief and Director of Emergency Management. “I ask all Mississauga residents to push the test button on their smoke alarms to see if they are working. You might need to install a new alarm or need to put in new batteries.”

Last year, Ontario lost more than 130 people to deadly fires – the highest number in more than 20 years. The high fatality rate is cause for concern as many of these deaths could have been prevented if there was a working smoke alarm.

Rizzi added, “I encourage you to help those in the community and in your neighbourhood like seniors and those with mobility issues to test out their smoke alarms.”

Learn more about Test Your Smoke Alarm Day at savedbythebeep.ca. There are many resources available for families.

With smoke alarms, remember that:

• You need to follow the law. Smoke alarms must be installed on every storey of a residence in Ontario, including vacation homes, cabins, trailers, RVs and cottages.
• Property owners must test alarms every year, after the battery is replaced, and after every change in tenancy. Renters are also responsible for notifying their property owners as soon as they become aware that a smoke alarm is not operating.
• Smoke alarms should be tested at least once a month. In addition, replace smoke alarms every 10 years, according to manufacturer’s instructions.
• There are many types of smoke alarms. Smoke alarms can be hard-wired, battery operated or both. If you need to replace a single malfunctioning alarm, make sure the new alarm is compatible with the existing units. For example, you cannot replace a hard-wired smoke alarm with a battery-operated smoke alarm.
• Do not remove the battery if a smoke alarm starts beeping frequently due to cooking, baking, or using the shower.

For more information about fire prevention, visit the City’s fire prevention web page. 

Download a Test your smoke alarm day colouring sheet (English and French).

Media contact:
City of Mississauga Media Relations
media@mississauga.ca
905-615-3200, ext. 5232
TTY: 905-896-5151

Tags

• Emergency and Preparedness
• Fire and Emergency Services
• Public Safety