Firefighters' tips for the proper use of smoke alarms

Does your home have working smoke alarms, and are they properly installed? During Fire Prevention Week, which runs from October 4 to 10, 2026, it's important to remember that these devices save lives and that using them correctly is crucial. Here are some expert tips.

Have enough alarms

For maximum safety, there must be enough smoke alarms in your home so that everyone living there can hear them in an emergency. Firefighters recommend installing at least one on every floor; don’t forget the basement.  Install one in every hallway leading to your bedrooms, one in each bedroom and one near the stairs.

Install them according to these guidelines:

• On the ceiling, a smoke alarm should be located at least 10 centimetres from the wall.

• For wall-mounted installation, the alarm should be placed 10 to 30 centimetres from the ceiling.

• In all cases, the devices must be located at least one metre away from devices that could blow smoke away. That includes fans, air conditioners or air return vents.

• A smoke alarm must be unobstructed and not located behind furniture or appliances.

Maintain and test regularly

Check your smoke alarms and change their batteries at least twice a year. Hold a freshly extinguished candle close to them to test their smoke detection capability. In addition, press the test button every month to ensure their audible signal is working. For battery-powered models, you should also vacuum the inside and outside of the casings annually. Photoelectric alarms should only be cleaned on the surface; don’t open them.

Be aware that your municipality may have specific requirements regarding which types of smoke alarms (ionization, photoelectric, etc.) can be used in your home. Your local fire department can provide guidance. Contact them if you have any questions.

If you’ve just moved into a new home or your alarms are beeping intermittently, change the batteries right away. Also, remember to replace your alarms every 10 years.