Starting Saturday, May 14, Toronto residents can expect to see City of Toronto firefighters in their community bringing important fire and life safety information to their doorsteps.
This annual door-to-door campaign called Alarmed for Life will be aimed at residents living in single family dwellings, semi-detached houses and town houses to ensure they are aware of their responsibilities under the Ontario Fire Code. In effect since March 1, 2006, the code requires these types of dwellings to be equipped with working smoke alarms on every storey, as well as adjacent to all sleeping areas. In addition to installation, homeowners are also responsible for maintaining smoke alarms in operating condition.
“Working smoke alarms make the difference in surviving a fire," said City of Toronto's Fire Chief Bill Stewart. "First, smoke alarms give you the notification you need that a fire condition exists, and second, the time you need to safely remove your family from the home."
Alarmed for Life begins this Saturday and will continue until Sunday, September 25. Fire crews will conduct the program on Saturdays and Sundays throughout these months and will deliver a multilingual package of information directly to residents’ doorsteps. At the same time, residents have the opportunity to have their fire safety questions answered, or to voice any concerns they may have.
Failure to comply with the Ontario Fire Code smoke alarm requirements could result in a fine of up to $50,000 for individuals or $100,000 for corporations.
Toronto is Canada's largest city and sixth largest government, and home to a diverse population of about 2.6 million people. Toronto's government is dedicated to delivering customer service excellence, creating a transparent and accountable government, reducing the size and cost of government and building a transportation city. For information on non-emergency City services and programs, Toronto residents, businesses and visitors can dial 311, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
