Due to the ongoing threat of COVID-19 and our efforts to stop the spread of COVID-19 in our community, the Burlington Fire Department has decided to postpone the 2020 Steps to Safety Home Visit Program until further notice. If you have questions or concerns about fire and life safety, please reach out to us by email at firedepartment@burlington.ca.
For further COVID-19 information, please visit burlington.ca/coronavirus.
That’s why the Burlington Fire Department has created a home visit program to make sure your home is properly protected with working smoke and carbon monoxide alarms and your loved ones have the right information to prevent and prepare for an emergency.
A safe home starts with spotting the risks and being prepared.
Understanding how to prevent fires from happening, having a home escape plan in place and being prepared for an emergency—big or small—are all essential steps to protecting what matters most.
Knock, knock…
Burlington firefighters will once again be visiting homes across the city this summer and fall to talk with homeowners about how we can help you and your family be safe at home.
Part of our visit includes a voluntary in-home safety assessment to make sure you, your family and/or property is protected by working smoke and carbon monoxide alarms.
Is participation in this program mandatory? |
No. Having working smoke and carbon monoxide alarms is mandatory (it’s the law). However, having firefighters enter your home to complete an in-home safety assessment is completely voluntary. |
How do I participate in the program? |
You must be a homeowner to participate in the Steps to Safety Home Visit Program. This year's visit locations have been selected based on local fire and smoke and carbon monoxide alarm statistics. |
What if I was not home and I missed the firefighters visit? |
Sorry we missed you. Please call the fire department to discuss a return visit 905 637 8207. |
What if my home does not have working smoke or carbon monoxide alarms? |
It's the law that every home in Ontario must have: A smoke alarm on every level and outside all sleeping areas in your home A carbon monoxide alarm next to all sleeping areas in any home with a fuel-burning appliance (i.e. natural gas, oil burning furnace, water heater, etc.) and/or an attached garage IMPORTANT: |
Does the 10-year expiry date apply to all smoke and CO alarms even if they’re hardwired or battery-operated? |
Yes. Both battery-operated alarms and hardwired alarms expire after 10 years as the sensing technology may no longer be reliable in detecting smoke or fire in your home. Reference the manufacture date provided on an alarm. If you can't find a date on your alarm, it's likely more than 10 years old and expired. Alarms that are more than 10 years old do not comply with the Ontario Fire Code and are required by law to be replaced. |
I have hardwired (electrically-powered) alarms, can I put up a battery-operated alarm in its place? |
No. If your home has hardwired (electrically-powered) alarms, either the homeowner or a certified, licensed electrician must install the alarms. According to the Ontario Fire Code, you cannot replace hardwired alarms with battery-powered alarms. If you are the homeowner, you may be able to replace hardwired alarms yourself. If you cannot safely replace them yourself, hire a licensed electrician to do the job. Visit the Electrical Safety Authority website for more information and to find a licensed electrical contractor in your area. Any potential costs to meet Ontario smoke and carbon monoxide alarm laws are the homeowner’s responsibility. |