The Owen Sound Fire Department is challenging residents to test their smoke and carbon monoxide alarms as part of the “Get Loud” initiative.
According to a release, every home in Ontario needs to have a working smoke alarm on every floor as well as outside all sleeping areas.
The “Get Loud” initiative makes sure homeowners and residents check to see if their alarms are working properly, by pressing the test button on both their smoke and carbon monoxide detectors until they beep.
Acting Fire Chief William Plagenz says, “knowing the different sounds your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms make can save you, your loved ones, and your home. ‘Get Loud!’ testing your alarms every month to learn the sound they make and ensure the batteries work.”
If the alarms do not sound, residents are encouraged to replace the batteries, but if still no sound comes out, the alarms themselves may need to be replaced.
The fire department says testing the alarms is the only way to ensure they are working, and your family can leave the home in the event of an emergency.
“Take immediate action if your smoke or carbon monoxide alarms sound. If the alarms beep in an emergency, get everyone out of the home. If your alarms chirp, replace the batteries or alarms immediately,” says Fire Prevention Officer Greg Nicol.
