City of Toronto asks residents to “Give a Beep” about smoke alarms

In Toronto, approximately 60 per cent of fires in single-family residences occurred in homes that did not have a working smoke alarm. Today, the City of Toronto is launching a citywide information campaign reminding residents that working smoke alarms save lives.

The “Give a Beep” campaign encourages residents, landlords and business owners to protect their spaces using the following guidelines:

• Check and test all smoke alarms to ensure they are in good working condition.
• The Ontario Fire Code requires every home to have a working smoke alarm on every level and outside all sleeping areas in a home. Landlords are required to immediately install or replace smoke alarms when required.
• Fire can spread rapidly, and people inside have as little as one minute to escape safely once the smoke alarm sounds.
• Be even more vigilant in the winter months, when there is an increased fire risk from heating, holiday decorations and candles.

Toronto Fire Services data shows there have been 145 incidences of non-working smoke alarms in homes across the city this year, compared to 118 non-working smoke alarms in 2024. Checking smoke alarms regularly to see they work helps ensure the safety of people and families and protection of property.

The “Give a Beep” smoke alarm safety awareness campaign will run across through the month of December across the City’s communication channels. More information is available on the City’s website.

Quotes:

“Fires strike quickly and without warning. Checking your smoke alarm is non-negotiable for every homeowner and landlord. This campaign is about getting the word out to all Torontonians: a working smoke alarm saves lives.”

– Mayor Olivia Chow

“Each year, countless homes and lives are impacted by fires that could have been prevented or their severity reduced through the simple use of smoke alarms. This campaign underscores a critical message for residents and landlords that maintaining smoke alarms is not just a routine task, but a life-saving responsibility. As winter approaches and the risk of indoor fires rises, vigilance in this area is more important than ever.”

– Jim Jessop, Fire Chief, Toronto Fire Services

Toronto is home to more than three million people whose diversity and experiences make this great city Canada’s leading economic engine and one of the world’s most diverse and livable cities. As the fourth largest city in North America, Toronto is a global leader in technology, finance, film, music, culture and innovation and climate action, and consistently places at the top of international rankings due to investments championed by its government, residents and businesses. For more information visit the City's website or follow us on X, Instagram or Facebook.