Are you a Burlington homeowner that has physical challenges with maintaining your home’s smoke and carbon monoxide alarms? You may qualify for the City of Burlington's Alarm Assistance Program (AAP). Eligible program participants receive a free, annual home safety visit from local firefighters to help you maintain your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms.
Program eligibility
The AAP program is offered to residents who:
- are homeowners (renters are not eligible)
- are over the age of 65 or have a disability or limited mobility
- do not have any support networks including friends, family, neighbours or agencies available to assist with maintaining alarms
For more information and to see if you're eligible, email the Fire Department or call 905-637-8207, ext. 6236.
You may also be referred to the program by your doctor, a family member, friend or emergency responder.
Before your visit
Once enrolled into the program, you will be contacted by the fire department to confirm eligibility and participation each year.
It’s the law to have working smoke and CO alarms on every level of your home. Participating homeowners are responsible for ensuring their homes are compliant with Ontario laws.
Alarms expire after 10 years and must be replaced according to manufacturer's instructions. If you have hardwired (electrically connected) alarms in your home, as opposed to battery-operated alarms, the units must be installed and serviced by a licensed technician or electrician. If you have battery-operated smoke or CO alarms, please provide replacement batteries for firefighters to install during your home visit.
What to expect during the visit
Once you have been accepted into the program, an initial home visit will be scheduled to review your home alarms and complete required paperwork.
Every year after, our on-duty firefighters will arrive in a fire truck on the day of your scheduled visit and will:
- Install or replace battery-operated smoke alarms and CO alarms, as needed
- Replace batteries in smoke and CO alarms, including back-up batteries in hard-wired alarms
- Test your smoke alarms and CO alarms and ensure they are installed in the proper locations of your home
- Answer fire and life safety questions you may have
For more information, call the Alarm Assistance Program Line at: 905-637-8207, ext. 6236.
If there is an emergency and you require immediate assistance, dial 9-1-1.