Smoke detectors to be mandatory in Ontario homes

[five_alarm]

TORONTO, ON - Smoke detectors will be mandatory in all Ontario homes before the end of this winter, Community Safety Minister Monte Kwinter announced Tuesday. Under changes to the Ontario Fire Code unveiled by Kwinter, all residences in the province must have the devices installed on each level, including basements, by March 1.

Smoke detectors must also be installed in any bedroom where a person sleeps with the door closed. Detectors that are more than 10 years old will also have to be replaced. An estimated 15 per cent of Ontario homes do not currently have smoke detectors.

Kwinter said the government made the regulation changes based on a recommendation from Ontario Fire Marshal (http://www.ofm.gov.on.ca/english/FirePrevention/Working%20Smoke%20Alarms%20It's%20the%20Law/default.asp) Bernard Moyle. "In about 50 per cent of fatal, preventable home fires, there was no smoke alarm warning," Moyle said in a statement.

Source: cbc.ca (http://www.cbc.ca/toronto/story/to_smoke20051213.html) , theglobeandmail.com (http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/ArticleNews/TPStory/LAC/20051214/DETECTORS14/TPNational/Toronto)

[Scuba]

pssssssst sprinklers work good too ;)

[Michael13]

An excellent piece of legislation. Altho, I believe they took it one step too far. I agree with alarms on each floor, but one in every bedroom with the door closed? That kind of legislation I could see in another 10 years, but not now. For example, if I use my own home, 6 extra detectors must now be purchased. Citizens won't follow that rule, I can see it now. I'm sure some departments will be lenient at first, but to me thats alot of smoke alarms. Especially since the Sprinkler law will most likely come into effect soon. What does everyone else think?

[PEMS17]

Every room in my house has a detector that can be closed off with a door. I installed them before we moved in. Dual sensor type for smoldering or hot fires. Parents had a fire and lets just say a couple more detectors woulod have alerted them to the problem earlier. Delayed recognition of the problem and thus delayed fire dispatch. I saw that and learned a lesson, cost a bundle though.

[Kearley]

That's a lot of detectors... I don't know what to say about it... I guess "why not" comes to mind... but it's such a swing. Big step, I didn't know politics tooks big steps.

[wilderness]

Who's going to enforce this policy......
i agreee change was needed, but when does common sence happen....

[Ladymedic]

How are the people that say they can't afford one, going to afford the 4 or 5 they may now need? What about all those batteries every year? That will cost the same amount as a 12 of beer!!!! :eek: :rolleyes:

At what point will Dept's that have a smoke alarm program going to say "We can't afford to hand out 6 smoke alarms for every residence that says they can't afford them"

[dentedhead]

How are the people that say they can't afford one, going to afford the 4 or 5 they may now need? What about all those batteries every year? That will cost the same amount as a 12 of beer!!!! :eek: :rolleyes:

At what point will Dept's that have a smoke alarm program going to say "We can't afford to hand out 6 smoke alarms for every residence that says they can't afford them"


Thats so true.We did a call for a lil pot on the stove in semi detached house in a subsidized housing project.

I went next door to check for any smoke that may have migrated.I noticed that they only had 1 smoke detector on the main floor,when I mentioned it to the resident she says oh I cant afford one,I went to get one off the pumper,we were out of them.I suggested she buy one and explained they were cheap piece of mind.I got the standard I cant afford one im on disability.I explained again that they were only about 10 bucks still got the sob story.I offered to have prevention drop one off the next day.Oh that would be great she says and tells her 18 kids how nice we are blahblah.

We were just ready to leave and shes telling the kids to hurry up or they will miss the start of the movie and they will go to the restaraunt after the show.

Ive gone without before so my kids could have or do sumpin but that was an outright slap in the face.Not to mention a possible life hazard to the kids.

I never told prevention about it and to my knowledge she never called.

A smoke detector in every room indeed.Gotta get the important stuff first. Smokes, beer and scratch tickets.Dont get me started about toy drives.

Dentedhead

[ABFF37]

Yeah it's funny how priorities are sometimes different for different people. I remember at a code that we ran back in the spring of this year...we were working on this lady in her kitchen, she was only in her mid 40's, looked like 100, according to her daughter had pretty much every medical condition under the sun...and I look up at the refrigerator and see a piece of paper stuck on...it says something like;

BUDGET
Smokes-$250
Booze- $100
Food- $100
Meds- $75

It was no wonder that the lady was coding on the floor. May sound harsh, but priorities do make a difference. Sad thing was you see her daughter heading down exacly the same road as mom. To stay on topic, I didn't see how many smoke detectors were in the home at the time...I'm willing to bet not many if it meant the difference between her and her daughter's safety, or a stiff drink and a smoke...

AB:(

[PEMS17]

BUDGET
Smokes-$250
Booze- $100
Food- $100
Meds- $75

AB
ET tube $9.00
De-fib pads $86.00
Ride in an ambulance $250.00
Dieing young to release the tax burden of your life from the public coffers: priceless:rolleyes:

[five_alarm]

WOODSTOCK, ON - James Hind’s Christmas wish is for everyone in Woodstock to have the best piece of electronic equipment under their trees, and it’s not an Xbox or iPod. With only about 54 per cent of city residences fire safety compliant, it’s no wonder Woodstock’s fire inspector would like to see smoke alarms wrapped up as gifts this holiday season.

"No matter how fancy they make an Xbox, they’re not going to save your life," Hind said.

Ontario Fire Marshal Bernard Moyle announced Tuesday new fire code regulations that make a smoke detector mandatory on every floor of a house. The regulation comes into effect March 1, 2006 and affects single-family houses, semi-detached houses and townhouses.

Source: woodstocksentinelreview.com (http://www.woodstocksentinelreview.com/story.php?id=202135)

[five_alarm]

BROCKVILLE, ON - A new provincial regulation requiring working smoke alarms on every floor of every house in Ontario will be hard to enforce in Brockville, Fire Chief Harry Jones believes. The regulation, which takes effect March 1, 2006, is "a step in the right direction," the fire chief said, noting smoke alarms save lives.

But he added "it may prove to be difficult to enforce."

That's because such a regulation is impossible to enforce thoroughly without door-to-door inspections and the city fire department doesn't have the manpower to do that, said Jones. The city will likely enforce the rules on a complaint-driven basis, or if they catch someone violating the law during an inspection or after a fire, he said.

Source: newsfeed.recorder.ca (http://newsfeed.recorder.ca/cgi-bin/LiveIQue.acgi$rec=16178)

[boots08]

This has been a long time coming. One smoke detector for an entire house is just unacceptable. I have 4 and I live in a bungalow. I don't see how anyone could question this??? Is your life not worth the 10 bucks it costs to get one??? That lady with the kids who said she couldn't afford one, thats just sad and the one with the smokes and booze, really makes you wonder what our world is coming to?!?!?!?!?!

[Punctualdeer]

It's a good thing and about time for the citizen.In my city it's rule since 25 years and in the province since 10 years i thing. App. owner are obliged to install smoke detecter and replaced for new one, event if it's stollent. For bungalow or duplex it's one by level. We have a program each summer to visit home for verifying the smoke detecter and, if it's defect, we send a report to the prevention for following the request for replace a new battery or all apparatus. It take about 5 years to go true the city. We stop 2 or 3 years and strat again.

[ABFF37]

Personally I think its a good idea to have some sort of legislation in place to help increase the number of smoke detectors in homes. I am still amazed when we do our house to house campaign to distribute free detectors how many homes either don't have one, or have ones that are not functional.

Two small children died in a house fire here in Calgary yesterday, and it was determined that there were no smoke detectors in the basement where they were sleeping, and that the one on the upper floor wasn't working. Maybe a smoke detector would have made a difference, and for the $20 that it would have cost to have them put in, two little kids might still be alive today...pretty tough to argue with that.

You can read the latest Calgary fire department news release at:
http://www.gov.calgary.ab.ca/citybeat/public/2005/12/release.20051216_110213_15744_0

http://www.gov.calgary.ab.ca/citybeat/public/2005/12/release.20051215_084727_661_0

And read some media stories at:
http://www.canada.com/calgaryherald/story.html?id=5904010f-3252-4857-b860-1e12efdd6003&k=99665

http://calsun.canoe.ca/News/Alberta/2005/12/16/1355704-sun.html
AB

[Michael13]

One smoke detector saved the lives of a whole fanily in our town this past week. I wasn't able to make the call, but I hear everyone got out ok. I believe there was only one detector in the house and it did it's job. But of course, more would have been better. I was hesitant at first with this new legislation, but the more I think about it, I see it makes so much sense. We watched a video at school last week about a family that lost their 4 year old son because there wasnt a detector on the fire floor and by the time the detector outisde their bedroom sounded, the fire had progressed too far and the boy got scared and ran back upstairs. Detectors for all floors and rooms, I'm for it.

[Michael13]

An article AND an editoral from out local paper from last week...what does everyone think of the Editors thoughts?
(located at the bottom)


Smoke alarms on every floor law
Fire departments dealing with enforcing new provincial law.

Jeff Kempenaar
Staff
Thursday January 19, 2006
Smoke alarms must be installed on every storey of a home, with a new law beginning March 1.
Dutton-Dunwich Fire Department most recently started a door-to-door inspection of homes. Other departments have said they won’t be doing more in the immediate future to enforce the new law, knowing people who followed past laws will continue to do so and those that do not have a working smoke alarm already won’t follow the new law.
However, with the new law in place, those who have failed to allow fire departments into their home, could see the department returning with warrants.
The Ontario Fire Marshall’s Office and Province of Ontario enacted the law Dec. 1, with penalties of a $235 fine for home owners and $25,000 or one year jail time for apartment building owners.
Rodney Fire Chief, Andy Kieraszewicz said about 20 per cent of homes in the area do not have properly working smoke alarms, based on past door-to-door inspections.
He said the new law will make it easier for the fire department to lay fines on property owners that do not have properly working smoke alarms.
“No one will be inviting members of the fire department into their homes anymore,” he said.
He said the fines put the fire department in a tough place.
“After someone loses their home, we’re supposed to fine them if they didn’t have a smoke alarm on every floor,” said Kieraszewicz.
Each fire department in the area has gone door-to-door in the past to hand out smoke alarms, help residents test detectors and check their locations in the house. Smoke alarms were given out free.
It hasn’t been an easy process, with some residents reluctant to let the volunteers into their homes to check alarms.
In Dutton/Dunwich, Chief Dan Lundy said a door-to-door campaign that started last September to provide smoke alarms for homes on every floor in Dutton is almost complete and the township area will be started soon.
So far, two residents refused to let the fire department in to check smoke alarms.
After every home has been checked in the municipality, Lundy will visit homes that would not allow entry and if they again refuse entry, he will get a warrant from the Ontario Fire Marshall, he said.
Most people cooperated with the inspections and even people who don’t use smoke alarms, let the fire department in to install new ones.
“You can’t force people to do something they don’t want to do,” said Lundy.
Bob Bowery, fire prevention officer for West Lorne Fire department said there are different smoke alarms that can be used in different places of the house, such as in the kitchen where heat and smoke sometimes set off the alarms.
Ionized smoke detectors are best suited for rooms with highly combustible materials as they respond first to fast flaming fires.
A photoelectric alarm is best suited for living areas and kitchens as they respond first to thick smoke from slow, smoldering fires and are less prone to nuisance alarms.

Source: thechronicle-online.com (http://thechronicle-online.com/story.php?id=208093)



Alarm law is over-regulation

by Scott Hilgendorff
Thursday January 19, 2006
EDITORIAL
Effective March 1, it will be law that every home must have smoke alarms on every floor.
Locally, we have fire departments that have volunteered their time going door-to-door to be sure every home is properly equipped with working smoke detectors.
In cases where a detector is missing or not working properly, the departments have given and even installed the detectors at no charge.
On the surface, it’s our choice to let the firefighters in to take a look at our detectors.
Dutton-Dunwich is currently in the process of completing inspections and has encountered two homes so far that have refused entry.
With the new law coming into effect, departments will have the option of going through the difficult process of obtaining a legal warrant to enter a home.
What is supposed to be a voluntary process is becoming a regulated loss of personal freedom.
The immediate assumption is that someone has something to hide if they are choosing not to let the fire department inside.
It’s their home and should remain a person’s choice who enters or doesn’t.
While it’s all about keeping people safe, the regulation goes too far and is just one more instance of Canada being one of the most over-regulated countries in the world.
It’s foolish not to have working smoke alarms in appropriate places. It’s also foolish to need warrants to make sure that people do. S.H.

Source: thechronicle-online.com (http://thechronicle-online.com/index.php?id=608)

[BCFFFV]

An excellent piece of legislation. Altho, I believe they took it one step too far. I agree with alarms on each floor, but one in every bedroom with the door closed? That kind of legislation I could see in another 10 years, but not now. For example, if I use my own home, 6 extra detectors must now be purchased. Citizens won't follow that rule, I can see it now. I'm sure some departments will be lenient at first, but to me thats alot of smoke alarms. Especially since the Sprinkler law will most likely come into effect soon. What does everyone else think?


They aren't saying you have to close your door. They are just saying that if you do you need one in that room. But honestly it would be impossible to enforce further than 1 on each level. If they were to actually inspect EVERY home all they could check is that each level had one. Some people might follow the rule to the letter and buy one for each room. As for sprinklers.....they may become mandatory like they are in Vancouver but it could only be on new construction. As for the Fire Dept. inspecting every residence I hardly see it happening but it sure would make it difficult for people with grow ops wouldn't it?

[ChiefCoonDog]

Over-regulated? Tell that to the family's of the almost 100 people who died last year. It's a great step forward. By the way, the law says a smoke alarm on each level - that's all -not in every room with a closed door, that is just a sugestion (and a good one). The smart will comply.

[five_alarm]

GODERICH, ON - The Goderich Fire Department will be enforcing a recent amendment to the Ontario Fire Code that requires homes to have working smoke alarms on every level when it becomes law on March 6 of this year. This is in addition to the existing requirement of having smoke alarms outside all sleeping areas.

The amendment applies to all dwellings including single family and semi-detached homes whether owner-occupied or rented. Any place you live and sleep is affected.For homeowners, tenants and individual landlords, non-compliance with the Fire Code smoke alarm requirements can result in a ticket of $235 for an individual or a fine of up to $25,000 for landlords.

To increase awareness about the amendment and the importance of working smoke alarms, the Goderich Fire Department are launching ‘Working Smoke Alarms: It’s the Law’ (http://www.ofm.gov.on.ca/english/FirePrevention/Working%20Smoke%20Alarms%20It's%20the%20Law/default.asp), a public awareness campaign developed by the Office of the Fire Marshal.

Source: goderichsignalstar.com (http://www.goderichsignalstar.com/story.php?id=211731)

[ChiefCoonDog]

Alot of articles are saying all dwelling units, however, if you read the legislation, it does not apply to buildings regulated under Part 9 or 9:8 of the Fire Code.
That needs to be changed also.

[five_alarm]

SCUGOG, ON - The Scugog Fire Department made a strong statement on the need for working smoke alarms in every home this week when officials handed out fines totalling close to $500 to one homeowner.

Upon receiving a call at approximately 3:15 a.m. on Wednesday with regards to a home filled with smoke, fire crews attended the scene and subsequently "discovered that this home did not have working smoke alarms," said Richard Miller, Scugog's fire chief, in a release issued Thursday morning. As a result, fire officials issued two tickets to the homeowner totalling $470 for not maintaining a working smoke alarm and not providing maintenance instructions for the home's tenant.

That incident comes on the heels of last weekend's deadly blaze that claimed the lives of three Crandell Street residents and only days before new provincial legislation will make it mandatory to have smoke alarms on each level of a home.

Source: durhamregion.com (http://www.durhamregion.com/dr/regions/scugog/story/3340233p-3865464c.html)

[five_alarm]

BRAMPTON, ON - Starting March 1, homeowners Ontario-wide will be required by law to have a smoke alarm on each storey of their home and outside all sleeping areas. It's all new to Ontario residents, but it has been a law in Brampton for the past 15 years.

"Brampton has had a similar bylaw in place since 1991, a bylaw that has been supported by enforcement and through public education in the schools and in the community," said Brampton Fire Chief Terry Irwin. "Brampton Fire strongly supports the mandating of smoke alarms, which along with carbon monoxide alarms, can give people the precious time needed to escape in the event of a home emergency."

In Ontario, in approximately half of all fatal home fires, the victims had no smoke alarm warning. The Ontario Fire Code has been amended and the fine for failing to install smoke alarms is $235. Landlords who fail to make sure their rental properties comply with the law can face penalties of up to $25,000.

Source: northpeel.com (http://www.northpeel.com/br/news/story/3340512p-3865866c.html)

[five_alarm]

LONDON, ON - A new Ontario law takes effect tomorrow requiring homeowners to have working smoke alarms on every floor. The change to the provincial fire code is expected to save lives and reduce property damage, says the Ontario fire marshal's office which recommended the amendment.

Since 1998, homeowners and landlords have been required to have a smoke alarm outside sleeping areas and there have been "lots of success stories because of it," a provincial spokesperson said yesterday. "But we've also found one smoke alarm isn't enough," said Bev Gilbert, manager of public education for the fire marshal.

Source: lfpress.ca (http://lfpress.ca/newsstand/News/National/2006/02/28/1465767-sun.html)

[five_alarm]

HAMILTON, ON - Starting today, all Ontarians are required by law to have a working smoke alarm on every level of their homes. The change to the Ontario Fire Code means there must be an alarm outside all sleeping areas and on every level of the home -- including basements.

The law applies to all single family, semi-detached and town homes, whether owner-occupied or rented.

John Verbeek, fire safety officer for the Hamilton fire department, said it's also a good idea -- though not law -- to install one inside a bedroom if you sleep with the door closed. The legislation doesn't cover carbon monoxide alarms though those are also recommended.

Source: hamiltonspectator.com (http://www.hamiltonspectator.com/NASApp/cs/ContentServer?pagename=hamilton/Layout/Article_Type1&c=Article&cid=1141168216536&call_pageid=1020420665036&col=1014656511815)

[mutts252]

HAMILTON, ON - Starting today, all Ontarians are required by law to have a working smoke alarm on every level of their homes. The change to the Ontario Fire Code means there must be an alarm outside all sleeping areas and on every level of the home -- including basements.

The law applies to all single family, semi-detached and town homes, whether owner-occupied or rented.

John Verbeek, fire safety officer for the Hamilton fire department, said it's also a good idea -- though not law -- to install one inside a bedroom if you sleep with the door closed. The legislation doesn't cover carbon monoxide alarms though those are also recommended.

Source: hamiltonspectator.com (http://www.hamiltonspectator.com/NASApp/cs/ContentServer?pagename=hamilton/Layout/Article_Type1&c=Article&cid=1141168216536&call_pageid=1020420665036&col=1014656511815)

yep... it's a good plan, all right. my house has had alarms on every floor since the week my dad bought it... one goes off, they all go off. and battery backup, of course.

[dentedhead]

We have also had a similar bylaw since about 1992.

Has anyone noticed a spike in their "could you come and check my smoke detector"calls? Between Tuesday and Wednesday I think we did about 7 of them,the timing is always perfect lunch,break or 10 minutes before your relief is in.

<sarcasm on> Yes maam/sir we would be happy to come and check your smoke detector <sarcasm off>

Dentedhead

[five_alarm]

BELLEVILLE, ON - As of March 1 a recent amendment to the Ontario Fire Code is being enforced in Belleville. The code requires all homes to have working smoke alarms on every level in addition to the pre-existing requirement of having working smoke alarms outside all sleeping areas.

Senior Fire Prevention Officer Dave MacMullen told the Community Press that he is pleased with the public's response to the new bylaw, noting a tremendous increase in the purchase of smoke alarms. "We have unconfirmed reports that there was only one store with any smoke alarms available for purchase last week until stocks were replenished," said MacMullen.

This response is encouraging for MacMullen and the fire department, as statistics from the Ontario Fire Marshal's office show that in about 50 per cent of fatal home fires in Ontario there were no working smoke alarms.

Source: communitypress-online.com (http://www.communitypress-online.com/template.php?id=26681&RECORD_KEY(News)=id&id(News)=26681)

[five_alarm]

HALTON HILLS, ON - Halton Hills firefighters have been busy answering several questions from the public on the new smoke alarm requirements that came into effect March 1. Under the amendment to the Ontario Fire Code, working smoke alarms are now required on every level of a home.

Some of the common questions that have come into Halton Hills Fire Protection and Prevention Services and answers are provided below.

Q: Many homes have existing smoke alarms that are hardwired to an electrical circuit, where additional smoke alarms are installed, are they required to be hardwired as well?
A: No. Any additional smoke alarms are permitted to be battery operated.

Q: Where are smoke alarms required to be located in each dwelling unit?
A: ....

Source: northpeel.com (http://www.northpeel.com/br/gi/news/story/3380378p-3911080c.html)

[Michael13]

Our Smoke alarm campaign is under way...finding some surprising results...some homes with none...One house we installed 5 alarms just to cover the code. Anyway, I've researched this question a few times and havn't gotten a straight answer yet. Are smoke alarms required in mobile homes/trailers? I consider those a dwelling unit, some people say no. I figured the quickiest answer was to ask you guys and gals. Thanks for the help.