The owner of Motel 6 in Huntsville pleaded guilty to a charge, under the Fire Protection and Prevention Act, in Bracebridge Provincial Offences Court and was fined $1,500 plus victim surcharges.
Following an inspection of the property in April 2018, the charge for failing to ensure that smoke alarms were replaced within the time frame indicated in the manufacturer’s instructions was filed by the Huntsville/Lake of Bays Fire Department.
The hotel has since been brought into compliance with the Ontario Fire Code.
“As smoke alarms age, they lose their sensitivity,” says Fire Prevention Officer Mike Vadlja. “Even though the smoke alarm may sound when the test button is pushed, if the sensor is out of date it will not detect smoke and sound the alarm when a fire occurs. Smoke alarms usually need to be replaced 10 years after the date of manufacture. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for installing, testing and maintaining smoke alarms.”
The fire department is committed to ensuring that appropriate measures are being taken by property owners and occupants to achieve fire safety through compliance with the Ontario Fire Code and the Fire Protection and Prevention Act.
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I would hope that at the time of their replacement, they were replaced with flashing lights as well as the alarm; for people with hearing disabilities. For night-time, bed-shakers (or some equivalent device) are recommended. Of course, if people self-identify as hearing-disabled, the night manager can awaken them in the event of a fire.