New smoke alarm law comes into effect today

Working Smoke alarms are required on every level of a home under an amendment to the Ontario Fire Code that

comes into effect today (Wednesday). Halton Hills Fire

Protection and Prevention Services will soon be enforcing the amendment that applies to all single family, semi-detached, and town homes whether owner-occupied or rented. The new smoke alarm requirement is in addition to the existing requirement of having smoke alarms outside all sleeping areas. "There is no question that working smoke alarms save lives," said

Bob Meads, Director of Fire Services for Halton Hills.

"This amendment was introduced to help make Ontario residents as safe as possible from fire. Homeowners, landlords and tenants all have a responsibility in ensuring compliance with the regulation." To increase awareness of the amendment and the importance of working smoke alarms, Halton Hills fire department will be launching Working smoke Alarms: It's the Law, a provincial awareness campaign developed by the Ontario Fire Marshal. In addition to its focus on smoke alarm requirements and responsibilities, the campaign will educate the public about smoke alarm technology, installation and maintenance. "This campaign is a welcome addition to our regular smoke alarm program," said Chief of Prevention and Public Education Harry Olivieri. "Our goal is to ensure every home in Halton Hills has a working smoke alarm on every level and that residents know how to maintain them. No one needs to die in a fire." Statistics from the Ontario Fire Marshal indicate that in about 50 per cent of fatal home fires that occurred in Ontario, the victims had no smoke alarm warning. For homeowners, tenants, and individual landlords, non-compliance with the Fire Code smoke alarm requirements can result in a ticket of $235, or a fine of up to $25,000.