(CNW) The Ontario Fire Marshal announced today changes to the Ontario Fire Code, making it mandatory for every Ontario household to have a working smoke alarm on every level, including outside all sleeping areas.
This law goes into effect March 1, 2006. As recommended by the National Fire Prevention Association, all smoke alarms must be replaced every 10 years.
It is estimated that 15 percent of Ontario households do not have smoke alarms, and of those that do, many have units which are more than 10 years old. This a major safety hazard, especially during the holiday season when there is a higher risk of home fires.