Ontario law requires that working smoke alarms are installed properly:
- On every story of the home.
- Outside all sleeping areas.
Avoid installing smoke alarms in or near kitchens and bathrooms, or near air vents, windows and ceiling fans.
Fire Prevention & Education
Public Education
The Township of Cramahe Fire Department is dedicated to creating a safer community by reducing risks through emergency response, prevention, and fire safety education.
Our firefighters:
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Attend community events with interactive safety displays
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Visit schools and childcare centres to teach fire safety
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Provide fire station tours for residents and groups
Smoke Alarms
Working smoke alarms save lives. In Ontario, it's the law to have functioning smoke alarms on every level of your home and outside all sleeping areas. Below are some of the most common questions about smoke alarms.
Where do I need to install a smoke alarm in my home?
What should I do if my smoke alarm goes off?
If your smoke alarm goes off, ensure you alert your family members and start your home fire escape plans. Every second counts so get out and stay out!
When should I test and replace my smoke alarms?
- Test smoke alarms monthly.
- Test the smoke alarm after installing a new battery.
- Test smoke alarms upon returning home after an absence of more than a few days.
- Replace smoke alarms every 10 years with new ones.
How often do I need to change the batteries in my smoke alarm?
- Install a new battery once a year or whenever the low battery warning sounds.
- If alarm fails to sound when the test button is pressed, install a new battery.
- If alarm fails after installing a new battery you will need to purchase a new alarm.
How do I manage nuisance alarms?
- Do not remove the battery!
- Try moving the smoke alarm or purchase a smoke alarm with a hush feature.
- Replace alarms near the kitchen or shower with a photoelectric alarm.
- If you hear chirping or beeping your alarm may have reached its end of life.
Carbon Monoxide Alarms
Carbon monoxide is a colourless, odourless gas that can be deadly. Having working carbon monoxide alarms installed properly in your home is not only essential for safety, it’s also required by law.
Where do I need to install carbon monoxide alarms?
Ontario law requires that working carbon monoxide alarms are installed properly
- Install a carbon monoxide alarm outside of each:
- Outside sleeping area on each level of your home
- In other locations as required by codes, standards, and by-laws
- Follow manufacturer's instructions for CO alarm placement
What should I do if my carbon monoxide alarm goes off?
- Move outdoors or by an open window and account for everyone in your home.
- Call 911 from the fresh air location, and remain in the fresh air location until an emergency crew arrives.
- Your alarm may sound if the batteries are low or your alarm has reached its expiry date.
- Check your batteries! Batteries should be replaced at least once a year.
When should I test and replace my carbon monoxide alarms?
- Test carbon monoxide alarms monthly.
- Test the carbon monoxide alarm after installing a new battery.
- Test carbon monoxide alarms after returning home after an absence of more than a few days.
- Replace carbon monoxide alarms every 7-10 years or in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.
How often do I need to change the batteries in my carbon monoxide alarm?
- Install a new battery once a year or whenever the low battery warning sounds.
- Know the difference between a low-battery warning and an emergency alarm by consulting the carbon monoxide alarm manufacturer's instructions.
Home Fire Escape Planning
Plan ahead with your household to ensure everyone knows how to escape safely in case of fire.
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Identify two ways out of every room, if possible.
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Ensure windows open easily and security bars have quick-release devices.
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Assign someone to help children, older adults, or anyone needing assistance.
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Stay low under smoke and head to the nearest safe exit.
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Choose a safe meeting place outside and never re-enter a burning building.
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Call 9-1-1 from outside your home.
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Make sure everyone knows your home address.
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Practice your plan regularly so all family members can get out quickly.
Hidden Hazards
Not all fire risks are obvious. Everyday appliances and overlooked areas can pose serious fire hazards if not properly maintained. Below are some practical tips to help you prevent fires in these often-forgotten spaces.
Cramahe Fire Department
Township of Cramahe Fire Department
Colborne: 232 Purdy Road, Colborne ON
Castleton: 2221 Spring St. Castleton
Email: cfire@cramahe.ca
Phone: 905-355-1219