Statistics show that smoke alarms help save lives, reduce fire related injuries, reduce the spread of fire and reduce the damage caused by fire.

Cranbrook Fire and Emergency Services would like to remind all homeowners and landlords that the start of a new year is a good time to check the age of smoke alarms within dwellings. Smoke alarms contain electronic parts that may fail and components that can deteriorate over time. As a result, smoke alarms have a limited life and need to be replaced after 10 years.

Homeowners and landlords should also be aware that it is mandatory that all dwellings and sleeping accommodation rooms have smoke alarms installed, regardless of the year of construction. Smoke alarms in a dwelling unit must be installed between each sleeping area and the remainder of the dwelling unit. Where sleeping areas are served by hallways, the smoke alarms must be installed in the hallways.

Battery operated smoke alarms are permitted to be installed in dwelling units constructed prior to March, 1979, and in locations within a dwellings where smoke alarms were not required by the building code at the time of construction.

Residents are encouraged to contact Cranbrook Fire and Emergency Services if they have any questions or concerns respecting smoke alarm requirements or maintenance.

City of Cranbrook

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