Fire Chief Jamie Waffle Challenges Windsor Residents to be “Saved by the Beep”
Windsor Fire Chief Jamie Waffle is calling on all residents of Windsor to test their smoke alarms on September 28 as part of Test Your Smoke Alarm Day. Be prepared to be “Saved by the Beep” with a working smoke alarm — it is your best chance to keep you and your family safe in the event of a fire.
Windsor is joining communities across Ontario on September 28 by asking everyone to take a minute to ensure that there are working smoke alarms installed in their home.
“Being prepared for a fire starts with pressing the test button and knowing your smoke alarm works,” said Chief Waffle. “Test alarms monthly, replace batteries yearly, and replace alarms every 10 years — it saves lives.”
Since 2020, Ontario has seen an increasing trend in fatal residential fires and fire deaths. Many of these fatalities could have been prevented if a working smoke alarm had been present. To date, Ontario has recorded 92 fire fatalities this year.
“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.”
Pledge to help keep you and your loved ones safe by signing up for a monthly reminder to test your smoke alarms. For more information about the campaign, visit www.SavedByTheBeep.ca today!
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.
- Residences also include vacation homes, cabins, trailers, recreational vehicles (RVs), and cottages.
- Landlords must test alarms annually, after the battery is replaced, and after every change in tenancy. Renters must notify their landlord as soon as they become aware that a smoke alarm is not operating.