Residents are encouraged to check their smoke alarms as part of a provincewide campaign to curb the number of fatal fires.
The Office of the Fire Marshal (OFM) said the province continues to see an increasing trend in fatal residential fires.
"Last year alone, Ontario experienced 127 fire deaths; one of the highest totals we have seen in decades," said OFM Jon Pegg in a video shared to social media. "Many of those lives could have been saved by something as simple as a working smoke alarm."
So far this year, Ontario has recorded 77 fire fatalities.
"The reality is this: when a fire starts, you may have less than one minute to escape," Pegg said. "If your smoke alarm doesn't work, you and your loved ones may never get that chance."
September 28 is recognized as the fourth annual Test Your Smoke Alarm Day, part of the Saved by the Beep awareness campaign.
This year's campaign specifically focuses on students and young adults.
"As students settle into a new school year and many young adults move into a home of their own for the first time, I encourage everyone to take a few minutes on September 28 to test their smoke alarms, learn their fire safety responsibilities and make sure they have a home fire escape plan," said Solicitor General Michael Kerzner in a media release. "Together, we can help prevent tragedies and keep families and communities safe."
Sarnia Fire Rescue Public Education Officer Mike Otis said smoke alarms should be tested once a month and the batteries should be changed at least once a year (or more if required). Alarms should also be replaced every 10 years, even if they're hardwired.
"Even if your hardwired alarm is, say, older than 10 years, and you press a button and it beeps, that does not mean it's working. It means it has power," Otis said. "The sensor, the part that saves your life, deteriorates and gets less effective over the years. So an older alarm will respond a lot less quickly than a newer alarm would."
By law in Ontario, working smoke alarms must be installed on every storey and outside all sleeping areas in a home.
Otis said the Saved by the Beep campaign comes ahead of Fire Prevention Week in October and Carbon Monoxide Awareness Week in November. During this time, Sarnia Fire Rescue will be sharing safety messaging on social media.
