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The Citizen, 2006-03-30, Page 13Keep checking Maintaining and regular checking of a smoke alarm is not just imperative now, it's the law. Working smoke alarms must be installed on every floor. This one gets a close inspection from Blyth fire chief Paul Josling. (citizen photo) INSTALL SMOKE ALARMS It's The Law! Every home in Ontario must have a working smoke alarm on every storey and outside all sleeping areas. I Buy One Smoke Alarm - Get ONE FREE! I THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, MARCH 30, 2006. PAGE 13. A smoke alarm on every storey now the law It's the law. As of March. I, every home must have smoke alarms on every level, including accessible .attics with floors and in all basements. According to. Blyth fire chief Paul Josling, homes may need more than one alarm on, a floor depending on the location of all the bedrooms. "A smoke alarm is required within 16 feet of all sleeping areas, so if you have a home with bedrooms at each end, that are more than 16 feet apart, a second' alarm may be required on that level." This, regulation applies to all homes. Smoke detectors may be battery operated or electric. The alarms do not have to be interconnected for upgrades unless renovations are being done, said Josling. "However, the best protection is obtained by electrically-operated smoke alarms that have a battery backup, and that are interconnected so that if one alarm goes off they all do." Many of the new model smoke alarms also have a carbon monoxide detector built into the alarm as well which provides even greater protection. Josling said there are two types of smoke alarms being used, photoelectric and ionization. "Each has its good points." The most common are ionization detectors. These detect flaming fires slightly quicker than the photoelectric type. However, photoelectric detectors detect smoldering fires slightly quicker than the ionization, type. Therefore, said Josling, the most ideal situation is to have a combination of smoke alarms in your home. "Some of the new technology smoke alarms coming out have both technologies built into the detector." The location of the smoke alarms is very important, Josling said. "For example, an ionization smoke alarm is not as good in a kitchen as the cooking will activate the alarm." He recommends that a smoke alarm in the kitchen be one with a hush feature.' "If you should have a false alarm due to cooking it can•be hushed without disconnecting the alarm, and if it truly is smoke activating the alarm it will still reactivate to warn you." Smoke alarms should he placed on the ceiling out at least four inches from the wall, away from anything that could block the sensor and at least 12 inches away from fluorescent lights. "If the alarm can't be mounted on the ceiling it may be mounted on the wall at least four inches down but no more than 12 inches from the ceiling and not in a corner." Smoke alarms should be located at least 36 inches from a door to a bathroom, laundry room, kitchen or any room creating steam as this can activate the alarm. Smoke• alarms should not be installed over heat registers, heaters or fans. "Some smoke alarms may not operate in high heat or cold such as unheated attics, so you must find the appropriate alarm for the location." Regular maintenance is also required. Batteries should be checked at least once a year. Josling recommends doing this when you change your clocks in the spring and fall. "This will change the battery twice per year and will ensure the alarm is operational. But you still must test your alarm at least once per month to ensure that it is functional." When the battery is changed, the alarm should also be cleaned either with compressed air or a vacuum cleaner. Smoke alarms have a life span of approximately 10 years, then should be replaced. If you live in a rented property, your landlord must ensure that a smoke alarm is on each level. However, it's up to the tenant to test the alarm and see that it's working. If any provincial offences- officer finds your residence without a smoke alarm on each level you could be fined $235 for each missing alarm per day. This also includes smoke alarms that have the battery disconnected or are inoperable. If you do not have working smoke alarms on each level and someone is injured or dies as a result of a fire, you then face charges that are much more serious and could even in some cases face imprisonment. Smoke alarms are inexpensive to Municipalities will be receiving unconditional funds from the province. North Huron will receive $21 1,806. Clerk-administrator John Stewart said council has not yet met to discuss where the money will go. The extra funds come as council is finalizing the 2006 budget. For Huron East, the additional $411,372 was welcomed days after council passed the 2006 budget. "Council is in a good position [to receive the money]," deputy-clerk and finance-manager, Brad Knight said. install and maintain. "And they are there for the protection of you and your loved ones." "Also, when the smoke alarm does sound make sure your family knows what to do. Have a home escape plan in place and practise it.. Always remember never go back into a burning house. Get out and stay out and call the fire department from a neighbour's." For more inforrhation contact Josling at 523-9426. Morris-Turnberry will receive $148,697. Nancy Michie, the clerk- `administrator was not available for comment. Huron-Bruce MPP Carol Mitchell said the provincial government appreciates the municipalities and that the municipalities are very pleased with the additional funds. The announcement was made on Thursday, March 23, with the Ontario budget which included $1.2 billion to spend on public transit, municipal roads and bridges although the money for each municipality is unconditional. I Province gives out unconditional fund I one smoke alarm .t either Blyth Building Supplies or Auburn Co-op and receive the SECOND ONE FREE! Name I I I Address Sponsored by \ BLYTH & DISTRICT FIRE DEPARTMENT L Fill in this coupon and present it when purchasing or." Cancer Surgery I Cardiac Procedures I Cataract Surgery I Hip or Knee Replacement I MRI or CT Scan ontanowaittimes.carn It's worth knowin If you or someone you know is waiting for one of the above procedures, it's worth knowing there's something you can do right now. Go to our new website for information on hospital wait times right across the province. You'll also find many helpful facts you and your doctor can use to make better decisions about your health care. For more information call 1-888-779-7767 CITY 1-800-387-5559) or please visit www.ontariowaittimes.com Paid for by the Goverox)ieint of Ontario.