Kawartha Lakes Fire Rescue Service reminds residents to test their smoke alarms on September 28

“The increased number of fatal fires and fire deaths across the province is extremely concerning,” said Ontario Fire Marshal Jon Pegg. “Whether people have a false sense of safety or the mistaken belief that fire will not happen to them, too many homes in the province lack basic protection against a fatal fire: a working smoke alarm.”

In support of Test Your Smoke Alarm Day, the Office of the Fire Marshal developed the Saved by the Beep campaign. This year’s campaign is student-focused and includes a new e-resource kit for educators to use in classrooms across Ontario to deliver vital fire safety information to students aged four to 12 and their families. The OFM also collaborated with TVOKids and Science North in Sudbury to deliver fun, easy-to-understand programming that emphasizes smoke alarms and home fire escape plans as key fundamentals for staying fire safe.

“A working smoke alarm is a simple and effective tool that keeps you and your family safe from the dangers of fire,” said Solicitor General Michael Kerzner. “When seconds count, that early warning can mean the difference between life and death. On Test Your Smoke Alarm Day, I encourage everyone to test their alarms and review their home escape plans. Together, we can protect Ontario – one beep at a time.”

Locally, Kawartha Lakes Fire Rescue Service is supporting the campaign with a strong reminder to residents:

“Smoke alarms save lives. It’s the law to have working smoke alarms on every storey of your home and outside all sleeping areas, but more importantly—it’s your best chance at surviving a fire,” said Fire Chief Terry Jones. “We are asking every household in Kawartha Lakes to take a few minutes on September 28 to press the test button. That beep means your family is protected.”

“Testing only takes seconds, and it’s something children can learn to do alongside their parents,” added Katie Dukelow, Fire Prevention Public Educator. “We encourage families to make it part of their routine—just like changing the batteries or practicing a fire escape plan. One small habit can make all the difference.”

For more information, visit savedbythebeep.ca. Residents can also make a pledge to test their smoke alarms and sign up for a monthly reminder to keep their homes fire safe.

Quick Facts:

• Most fatal fires occur in homes that do not have working smoke alarms.
• Smoke alarms should be tested every month, and batteries should be changed at least once a year. Smoke alarms should be replaced after 10 years of use.
• By law, a working smoke alarm must be installed on every storey and outside all sleeping areas in every home in Ontario.
• The new e-resource kit for educators will be distributed to all school boards across the province.

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