SMOKE ALARM AND HOME FIRE ESCAPE PLANNING PROGRAM
Purpose:
The objective of the smoke alarm and home fire escape planning is the provision and maintenance of working smoke alarms for all dwellings in the Township. It is also a means of ensuring that residents are complying with the smoke alarm requirements in the Ontario Fire Code.
Introduction:
Fire statistics show that having working smoke alarms and fire escape plans in a dwelling will increase the chances of surviving a fire in the home. Fire deaths and injuries could be significantly reduced if every dwelling had working smoke alarms. Fire escape planning has also been shown to reduce the injuries and deaths by ensuring that everyone knows how to escape from the home in case of fire.
Activities:
The activities associated with this program includes any combination of the following:
- A minimum of 2 smoke alarm and escape planning signs shall be posted in the community. Signs shall be of sufficient size to be readily readable to the passing public. Signs are currently installed on Township properties.
- Providing smoke alarms at a reduced cost.
- Providing batteries for smoke alarms
- Providing pamphlets or other educational material.
- Promoting regular testing and maintenance of smoke alarms in all dwellings
- Effectively evaluating smoke alarm program activities.
- Assisting with home fire escape planning
Annual Canvassing:
The smoke alarm program will encompass the canvassing of 90 households annually, which will complete the entire Township every 3 years. Where personnel finds a home with no working smoke alarm, an alarm will be installed, or batteries replaced. Prior to the installation, the company officer will determine whether the occupant owns or rents the occupancy. Rental units shall comply with the requirements of the Ontario Fire Code. Under 1997 amendments to the Fire Code, all residences shall be equipped with working smoke alarms. If owner occupied, the company officer will promote the advantages and the legal responsibilities of a working smoke alarm to the owner. If the owner agrees to a Fire Service installation, the officer will complete the installation. After installation, the officer will test the smoke alarm in the presence of the owner and instruct the owner in the testing process. The officer will conduct the alarm test and will advise the owner that a test should be conducted monthly as well. The manufacturer's instructions for the maintenance and testing of the alarm shall be left with the owner.
If the owner refuses an inspection or installation, the company officer shall complete the waiver form as per attached.
Crews will be responsible for familiarizing themselves with the installation instructions included with the smoke alarms, and assure they are located properly.
Company Officers will also assist the occupants with planning fire escape routes if requested.
Enforcement:
Enforcement shall be done by complaint or while at a residence on an emergency call. Enforcement shall be in accordance with the O.F.C.
Working smoke alarms are mandatory in all residential dwelling units in the Province, both owner and tenant occupied, as per the Ontario Fire Code. Assistants to the Fire Marshal (Prevention Officers) may issue tickets for non-compliance with the requirements.
Reporting:
A list of all dwellings canvassed is to be submitted to the Clerk prior to December 31st. All copies are to be put into the filing system at the Fire Hall and Office. A waiver form has been developed and is attached hereto for those homeowners who refuse admittance to the fire personnel. A reporting form is also attached hereto as Schedule "A" to be used for tracking purposes.
SCHEDULE "A"
SMOKE ALARM REPORT
Address: ________________________________________________________
Name of Property Owner: ___________________________________________
Name of Tenant (If applicable):_______________________________________
Inspection Completed? Yes ( No ( (If No, please explain e.g. owner refused inspection, not at home etc. )
_______________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
Follow Up Required? Yes ( No ( (If Yes, please explain e.g. tenant without working alarm, request for further information etc.)
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
Name of Person Completing Report: __________________________________
Date: _________________ Signature: ____________________________
Follow Up Completed By: _______________________ Date: _______________
Comments: ______________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
WAIVER FORM
CONMEE FIRE DEPARTMENT
REFUSAL FOR ENTRANCE ONTO PRIVATE PROPERTY
FOR THE PURPOSE OF INSPECTING SMOKE ALARMS
Name of Person Refusing Entry: __________________________________
Address of Property: ___________________________________________
( Owner ( Tenant
Reason for Refusal: ____________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
Date of Refusal: ______________________ Time: ___________________
Does Person State They Have Working Smoke Alarms in the Home?
( Yes ( No Phone No.: ________________________
________________________________________________________________
Name of Person Doing Inspection: ____________________________________
Signature of Person Doing Inspection: _________________________________