Brantford Fire encourages residents to test their smoke alarms

BRANTFORD, ON – The Brantford Fire Department, in partnership with the Ontario Fire Marshal and fire departments across the province, encourages residents to participate in Test Your Smoke Alarm Day on Sunday, September 28, 2025. The day aims to educate the public about the importance of installing and maintaining working smoke alarms in their homes.

Residents are invited to join the Brantford Fire Department at a free community open house in honour of Test Your Smoke Alarm Day. The event will take place at Brantford Fire’s Station No. 2, located at 21 Fairview Drive, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sunday, September 28, 2025. The open house will include a variety of family-friendly activities, as well as a free BBQ beginning at 11 a.m. while quantities last.

“My top priority is keeping our community safe,” says Brantford Fire Chief Todd Binkley. “One of the simplest and most effective ways to do that is by ensuring your smoke alarms are working properly. I urge everyone to take just a few minutes to test their alarms at home. Working smoke alarms provide an early warning of a fire emergency, and they significantly impact the chances of survival in a house fire. Let’s all do our part to protect ourselves, our families and our neighbours.”

Smoke Alarm Maintenance

• Purchase alarms that bear a certification marking from an authorized testing laboratory.
• Install and maintain working smoke alarms, at minimum, on every level of the home (including the basement) and outside of sleeping areas.
• Test alarms once per month to ensure they are in working order.
• Check the date. Smoke alarms expire approximately every ten years. Check the back or side of the alarm to see if it is time for a new one, even if they are hardwired.
• Conduct annual maintenance on all alarms. Vacuum them once per year and change the batteries twice per year, if applicable.

To learn more about Test Your Smoke Alarm Day, visit BrantfordFire.ca/SmokeAlarms or contact the Brantford Fire Department at fire@brantford.ca or by calling 519-752-4346. Stay up to date on fire safety by following Brantford Fire on social media.