Brantford Fire invites residents to take the Smoke Alarm Pledge

BRANTFORD, ON – The Brantford Fire Department is launching a Smoke Alarm Pledge to encourage and educate residents about the importance of installing and maintaining working smoke alarms in their homes. Those who pledge online that their homes meet the Ontario Fire Code smoke alarm requirements, will be entered into a contest for the chance to win a prize.

“Working smoke alarms provide an early warning of a fire emergency, and they significantly impact the chances of survival in a house fire,” 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 the smoke alarm pledge to keep you and your families safe in the event of a fire.”

Starting Monday, October 6, 2025, residents can Take the Pledge by visiting LetsTalkBrantford.ca/SmokeAlarmPledge to be entered for the chance to win a $100 gift card to Brant Food Centre. Elementary schools within the City of Brantford limits are also invited to Take the Pledge for the chance to win freezies and a Hot Summer Nights event to celebrate the end of the 2026 school year. Students are encouraged to talk with their families about the smoke alarms in their homes and take the pledge at Brantford.ca/SmokeAlarmPledge. The elementary school with the most pledges will win the freezies and the end of the school year celebration. Both contests close at 4:30 p.m. on Friday, October 31, 2025.

Smoke Alarm Requirements

• 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. You may require more alarms, depending on the type of building you live in and when it was built.
• 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 Smoke Alarms, visit Brantford.ca/SmokeAlarms or contact the Brantford Fire Department at fire@brantford.ca or by calling 519-752-0540. Stay up to date on fire safety by following Brantford Fire on social media.