Milton firefighters want local residents to test their smoke alarms
Content Originally Published on:
September 13, 2023 at 10:29 am
The Milton fire department is reminding local residents to check their smoke alarms.
Last year there were 133 fire fatalities in Ontario, the largest number of fire-related deaths in 20 years.
In response, Test Your Smoke Alarm Day was established for Sept. 28 as a reminder of the importance of installing, testing and maintaining smoke alarms.
“Most fire fatalities occur in homes that do not have working smoke alarms,” said Chief Peter Gatto.
“Having a properly installed and working smoke alarm is one of the greatest fire safety tools a family can invest in. I strongly encourage all residents to learn more about smoke alarms, fire safety and home fire escape planning. Your family’s life could depend on it.”
Smoke alarms have been legally required to be installed on every storey of a residence since 2006. Residents are encouraged to test their smoke alarm on Sept. 28, by pressing the test button to ensure their alarm is in working order.
Residents are also reminded to replace their smoke alarm batteries once a year and to replace alarms that are older than 10 years.
If you’re not sure how to test your smoke alarm, or if the alarm appears to not be working, you can contact the Milton Fire and Rescue Services for assistance by calling the non-emergency number at 905-878-9251.
As part of the safety campaign, members of the Milton Fire & Rescue Services will be onsite at the Milton Fall Fair on Sept. 22 and the following home improvement stores leading up to Test Your Smoke Alarm Day, to help educate residents about installing smoke alarms and fire safety:
- Tuesday, Sept. 26, Home Depot from 10 a.m. to noon
- Wednesday, Sept. 27, Home Hardware from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.
- Thursday, Sept. 28, Lowes from 10 a.m. to noon