Fire Department FAQs

Are extension cords permitted for temporary use?

Extension cords generally are designed for very temporary use only. Common problems with extension cord use are as follows: * Use of deteriorated or damaged cords * Cords running under rugs * Cords nailed to baseboards, door frames or window frames * Cords running through partition walls or floors * Cords permanently connected to permanent wiring by splicing or joints.

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Are Smoke Alarms required by Law

Install Smoke Alarms: Its the Law! As of March 1, 2006, every single family home is required to have operational smoke alarms installed on every storey and outside of all sleeping areas. Failure to comply with this requirement could result in a fine of up to $50,000 for individuals and $100,000 for corporations. If you require further information regarding this new Fire Code amendment or require assistance in determining proper smoke alarm placement in your home, contact the Public Education Division at 905 873-2601 Ext. 2115 or 2209, weekdays, between the hours of 7:00am and 7:00pm

• Find more information - http://www.haltonhills.ca/fire/smokeAlarmLaw.php

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Are there other locations recommended for smoke alarms?

Halton Hills Fire Department recommends smoke alarms be installed on all levels, and near all bedrooms of the home so fires can be detected in the earliest stages.

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Can homeowners inspect their own chimney for corrosion?

Homeowners can inspect their own chimneys for corrosion. However, they may not have the necessary tools and equipment required to conduct a safe and thorough inspection. There are safety hazards associated with conducting a chimney inspection for which certified chimney sweeps are appropriately trained. The Office of the Fire Marshal and the local fire departments strongly recommend that you have a certified chimney sweep or reputable heating contractor inspect your chimney.

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Does the Halton Hills Fire Department conduct inspections of new woodstove installations?

No. A building permit is required for wood stove installation, and a mechanical inspector from the Building Department will inspect the woodstove.

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How can homeowners overcome the problem in older homes of not having sufficient three prong receptacles for today

Ontario Hydro advises that properly installed GFI type receptacles can provide the required grounding for these appliances. The homeowner is urged to contact a qualified electrician to discuss this alternative.

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How do you maintain a smoke alarm?

Smoke alarms require the following maintenance:
* periodic testing (see above).
* gentle vacuuming every six months with a soft bristle brush attachment, and.
* replacement the battery once a year.

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How long will my fire extinguisher last?

Fire extinguishers generally last for 10 years. Read the manufacturer's recommendation for extinguisher replacement. Fire extinguishers should be tested after 6 or 12 years depending on the type. See the manufacturer instructions for details.

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How often do you test a smoke alarm?

Smoke alarms are generally tested in two ways as follows;
1) Do the beep test monthly to ensure the battery or electrical power supply is working.
2) Test the smoke-sensing chamber every six months. Allow a smouldering piece of string to drift into the smoke detector to ensure that the smoke detection chamber is not blocked by insects or dust build-up.

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Is a homeowner responsible for inspecting his/her chimney?

Yes. The Ontario Fire Code states that the owner is responsible for compliance.
Article 2.6.1.2. Chimney and chimney liners that constitute a fire hazard shall be repaired or replaced in accordance with the Building Code.
Article 2.6.1.5. Chimney, flues and flue pipes shall be inspected annually and cleaned as often as necessary to keep them free from accumulations of combustible deposits.
Article 2.6.1.7. Chimneys, flue pipes and breeching shall be maintained in a safe condition. (Breeching is a particular type of flue pipe connection)

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Remember the following when it comes to smoke alarms.

1. Only smoke alarms that comply with ULC 531- 1987, “Standard for Smoke Alarms” are legal for sale in Canada under the Hazardous Products Act. When purchasing smoke alarms, accept only units that bear the Underwriters' Laboratories of Canada (ULC) label.
2. The sensitivity of a smoke alarm is factory set to ULC standards; never attempt to adjust this setting yourself.
3. Ionization type smoke alarms contain a minute of radioactive material. The amount is not considered to be a health hazard.
4. READ and FOLLOW the manufacturer's instructions on MOUNTING, OPERATING AND TESTING your smoke alarms which come with the device at the time of purchase.
5. Replace batteries with the type recommended by the smoke alarm manufacturer. The correct battery type is marked inside the smoke alarm.

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Smoke Alarm Facts

No Doubt About It: WORKING Smoke Alarms Save Lives. By properly selecting, placing, testing and maintaining your smoke alarm, you will greatly increase your chances of surviving a home fire.

• Find more information - http://www.haltonhills.ca/fire/smokeAlarmFacts.php

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What are some basic concerns regarding fireplaces/chimneys?

It should be recommended to the homeowner that an annual inspection and cleaning should be conducted by a W.E.T.T. certified technician. * is a fireplace screen in place or used * Storage of combustible material close to fireplace * General condition of firebox area, i.e. mortar missing between bricks, etc.

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What are the different types of smoke alarms?

There are two types of smoke alarms, ionization and photoelectric. Both types are effective in providing smoke detection and early warning of fire.
Ionization smoke alarms use a small amount of radioactive material to create an electric current through ionized air. When smoke enters the detection chamber, it impedes or reduces the flow of current and causes the alarm to sound. Photoelectric smoke alarms use a light source and photocell. When smoke enters the detection chamber, it scatters the light beam deflecting it to the photocell, causing the alarm to sound.

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What can be done about false alarms caused by steam and cooking smoke?

If you have a "nuisance' smoke alarm, here's what you can do
* Relocate the detector away from the source of the false alarms
* Replace the detector with a unit that is equipped with a “pause” button to temporarily silence the alarm without removing the battery
* Replace the unit with a photoelectric type smoke alarm. These units are less susceptible to false alarms from cooking smoke and steam, but are just as effective as ionization units in detecting something burning

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What in the best smoke alarm to buy?

There are many different types of alarms on the market. There are battery-operated alarms and others that run on electricity. There are special alarms for people with hearing impairment that have both an audible alarm and intense flashing lights; these are available for approximately $100 each.

No matter what type of alarm you purchase, make sure it is approved by an independent testing laboratory, such as Underwriters Laboratories of Canada (ULC) or Canadian Standards Association (CSA).

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What is the recommended amperage of fuse/circuit breakers in normal household applications?

Generally, normal household circuits are to be protected with a 15-amp fuse/circuit breakers. The wiring provided for these general household circuits is designed to carry a load of up to 15 amps. Over-fusing these circuits will allow the wiring to heat up before the fuse blows. If 15 amp fuse are continually blowing due to electrical motors starting up then the fuse should be replaced with a 15-amp time delay fuse, which will allow the passage of higher starting current.

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What size of extinguishers should I buy?

For a typical home fire, the fire extinguisher should have a minimum rating of 2A10BC which weighs approximately 5 lbs. and this type of extinguisher should come equipped with a wall-mount bracket.

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What type of inspection do you need for portable extinguishers at home?

Check your fire extinguishers every month to ensure:
* the pin in place
* the seal is not broken
* the pressure gauge indicates the required pressure
* the discharge nozzle is not obstructed.

Portable extinguishers also require service after each use. Take your fire extinguisher to a qualified technician every year.

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What types of electrical concerns might homeowners come across?

The following are types of electrical concerns homeowners might come across: * Sparking from switches or receptacles that heat up when in use * Connections or splices in wires not made in junction boxes * Open junction boxes and cover plates missing from switches and receptacles (it is being noted to the homeowner that these items pose a more severe shock hazard than a fire hazard) * Use of extension cords as permanent wiring * Over-fusing * Ground pins removed or bypassed on appliances with three prong plugs.

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When should homeowners inspect their chimneys?

Homeowners should have their chimneys should be inspected yearly and cleaned if necessary. Have your chimney inspected every year before the heating season.

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When should I change any battery?

Install a new battery for your smoke alarm at least once a year. When the low battery warning beeps, replace the battery immediately. We change our clocks each spring and fall, so this is a good time to change your smoke alarm batteries too.

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Where can I buy a smoke alarm?

You can buy a smoke alarm in most hardware stores. Prices range from $5.00 to $25.00, depending on the features.

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Where do I take my fire extinguisher to be serviced?

Check the yellow pages of the local telephone directory under "fire extinguisher". Many companies offer to service fire extinguishers. Under the heading of fire extinguisher.

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Where to install smoke alarms?

Because smoke rises, place your smoke alarms on the ceiling but no closer than 6 inches from any walls. If you cannot do this, place them high on a wall, but no closer than 6 inches from the ceiling and according to manufacturer's instructions. There are certain locations to avoid such as near bathrooms, heating appliances, windows, or close to ceiling fans.

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