Monday, May 12, 2014
City of London
The London Fire Department’s Home Safety Inspection Program Begins Today
The London Fire Department will be commencing their Home Safety Inspection Program starting today, May 12, 2014.
Each of the fire suppression crews will be canvassing homes throughout their response districts in order to determine whether every home has a working smoke alarm on each story and outside all sleeping areas of their homes.
In 2007, the smoke alarm legislation in Ontario changed from simply having a smoke alarm to the more stringent laws of having one on each story and outside of all sleeping areas. During the last few years the London Fire Department has noticed that many homeowners have not complied with this legislation, putting themselves and their families or tenants at risk.
During the summer Home Safety Inspection Program, if the crews find a home unprotected they will provide a complimentary working smoke alarm or fresh battery to ensure that the occupants get adequate warning should a fire occur in their home. The amnesty from charges will apply to homeowners in their own homes and tenants living in rented quarters during these visits.
As part of the Home Safety Inspection Program fire fighters will provide fire safety literature and answer questions regarding fire prevention and fire protection in London. Technical questions regarding Fire Code issues will be referred to the Fire Prevention Division for follow up.
If a fire occurs and during the course of an investigation it is found that no smoke alarms exist or that one or more alarms were not in working condition, the home owner will be fined or charged under the Fire Code. The penalties range from a $235 fine to a potential court conviction of up to $50,000 or 1 year in jail.
The Home Safety Inspection program runs Monday to Thursday evenings from 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm, starting May 12, 2014 through the summer until the end of September 2014.
Media Contact:
Brian George
Deputy Fire Chief
London Fire Department
Office: 519-661-2500 ext 4785
Fire Prevention: 519-661-2500 ext 4565
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