Steps to Safety - Home Visit Program

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Nothing is more important than your safety.

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.

Steps to Safety - Home Visit Program

Knock, knock…

Burlington firefighters will 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.

Why participate in the program?

Peace of mind that your home and family are protected by working smoke and carbon monoxide alarms as required by law.
Meet firefighters from your neighbourhood fire station and ask safety questions.
Learn how to stop fires from happening and what to do if there’s an emergency.

Frequently Asked Questions

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.
A homeowner authorization form must be signed prior to entering participating households.

If you prefer, you can complete the online Steps to Safety pledge if you do not wish to participate in the in-home assessment.

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. Homeowners and tenants can do their own home safety assessment by completing the Steps to Safety pledge. Those who complete the pledge will be entered in a draw for a chance to win a prize.

Make the Home Safety Pledge!

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:
If you participate in the Steps to Safety Home Visit Program and firefighters find that your home is not compliant with Ontario laws, you will receive a notice of violation and will be responsible for any costs associated with required upgrades or changes to achieve compliance within a specified timeframe.

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.
Important Safety Tip: Ensure power to the circuit is turned off at the main panel before attempting to install hardwired alarms.

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.

Facts: Did you know?

Smoke alarms and CO alarms expire after 10 years, regardless of power supply. Not sure how old your alarm is? Check the side or back of the unit for an expiry date or date of manufacter. Visit www.burlington.ca/smokealarms or www.burlington.ca/co for more information.
The Burlington Fire Department has an Alarm Assistance Program (AAP) for homeowners over the age of 65 or residents with a disability that prevents them from maintaining their home's smoke and carbon monoxide alarms. This program is for people with no support network or agencies available to assist. To learn more, visit: www.burlington.ca/AAP
Every family should have a 72-hour preparedness kit in the event of a large-scale emergency. For more information about how to prepare and protect your family, visit: www.burlington.ca/prepare
If there was a fire in your home tonight would you and/or your family know what to do?
Having an escape plan is an important step to ensure you and/or your loved ones safety. Having working alarms, two ways out of every room and a safe meeting place outside of your home are key parts of every plan. Talk to your loved ones about different emergency scenarios and don’t forget to practice your plan a few times a year.