Smoke Alarms

• Smoke alarms must be installed on each storey of the home as well as outside all sleeping areas.  It's the law. 
• Because smoke rises, smoke alarms should be installed on the ceiling.  If this is not possible install the alarm high up on a wall. 
• Always follow the manufacturer's instructions. 
• Make sure everyone can clearly hear and recognize the sound of all smoke alarms at all times.  If you sleep with bedroom doors closed, have a qualified electrician install interconnected smoke alarms in each room so that, when one sounds, they all sound. 
• Test smoke alarms every month by using the test button on the alarm. 
• Replace batteries at least once a year, for example when you set the clocks back in the fall or if the low-battery warning sounds (chirps) or if the alarm fails to sound when tested. 
• All smoke alarms wear out.  If your alarms are more than 10 years old, replace them with new ones. 
• Vacuum alarms twice a year.  Dust can clog your smoke alarms. 

Hush Buttons

• Smoke alarms with an alarm-pause (or "hush") feature allow you to shut off the unit temporarily.  They are intended to allow people to respond to "nuisance alarms" triggered by non-threatening circumstances, such as burnt toast or a smoky oven.  Pressing the pause, or hush button deactivates the alarm for 8 to 10 minutes, after which it reactivates automatically.
• Alarms with this feature are intended to discourage the dangerous and illegal practice of disconnecting alarm batteries. 

Plan Your Escape:

• Create an escape plan with the entire household and practice it twice a year.
• Make sure that everyone knows the sound of the smoke alarm and what to do if it activates. 
  Make sure your plan identifies two ways out of each room, if possible, and a meeting place outside. 
• Once outside, stay outside.  Never go back into the burning building to attempt to rescue people or pets or retrieve possessions.  Firefighters are trained and equipped to enter burning buildings and rescue people. 
• Call 911 from a neighbour's home or cell phone.