The Township of Georgian Bay Fire Department wants everyone to be safe. Make sure your home is protected with working carbon monoxide and smoke alarms. Be prepared and have a fire escape plan.

Smoke alarm safety

When properly installed and maintained, smoke alarms can be the difference between life and death. It's the law to have working smoke alarms installed on every storey of your home and outside all sleeping areas. Follow these steps to keep your family safe:

• Test alarms at least once a month.
• If using battery-powered alarms, remember to replace batteries as needed, at least twice a year.
• Replace alarms every ten years.
• Install alarms according to manufacturer's instructions.

Carbon monoxide safety

Carbon monoxide (CO) is known as the “Silent Killer” because you can't see it, taste it or smell it. It's the law for any home at risk of CO to have a working CO alarm installed. CO poisoning can be avoided with preventative measures. Follow these tips to keep your family safe:

• Install alarms near sleeping areas. 
• Test alarms at least once a month. 
• Replace alarms every seven to ten years, depending on the brand.
• Have a licensed technician inspect your fuel burning appliances annually (e.g. furnace, fireplace, water heater) to ensure they are in proper working order and vented correctly.

If your fire or CO alarm sounds, get everyone out of the house and call 911. For more fire and CO safety tips, contact our Fire Department or visit the Ontario Association of Fire Chief's website.