Hear the Beep, Save Your Life

The Office of the Fire Marshal, with support from fire safety partners across the Northwest Territories (NWT), encourages all residents to test their home smoke alarms on September 28. If you HEAR THE BEEP, you know your smoke alarm is working.

Whether you own your home, rent an apartment, or are living on your own for the first time, a working smoke alarm is one of the simplest and most important ways to protect yourself from fire. Mark your calendar for a monthly smoke alarm check. This small habit can save lives.

The Ontario-led Saved by the Beep campaign, supported by the Council of Canadian Fire Marshals and Fire Commissioners, raises awareness about the importance of working smoke alarms and home fire escape planning across Canada.

New for 2026: Renting and Living on Your Own

Moving into your first apartment, rental home, staff housing, or shared accommodation is an exciting milestone. It may also be the first time you are responsible for your own fire safety.

If you rent, live with roommates, or have recently moved out on your own:

• Make sure your smoke alarms are present and working when you move in.

• Test smoke alarms monthly.

• Know at least two ways out of your building.

• Learn your building's fire safety procedures.

• Never ignore a chirping or malfunctioning alarm.

• Report missing or non-working smoke alarms to your landlord or property manager immediately.

Fire safety is a shared responsibility. Taking a few minutes to check your smoke alarms can help protect you, your household, and your neighbours

Why it Matters

Fire can spread quickly, and in many cases, you may have 60 seconds or less to escape. A working smoke alarm is often the first and only warning you may receive.

Despite their proven life-saving benefits, some homes across Canada and the NWT still have missing, disconnected, or non-functioning smoke alarms. Statistics consistently show that many fire deaths occur in homes where smoke alarms were absent or not working properly.

Smoke alarms are inexpensive, widely available, and legally required in all homes in the NWT. They are a simple step you can take to protect your loved ones, your neighbours, and yourself.

How to Stay Safe

To protect yourself and your household, follow these steps:

• Install smoke alarms properly. Smoke alarms are required on every level of your home and outside all sleeping areas. For best protection, install smoke alarms inside each bedroom.

• Test alarms monthly. Press the test button until you hear the beep. If the alarm does not sound, replace the battery or the unit immediately.

• Maintain alarms. Replace batteries annually, unless your alarm has a sealed long-life battery designed to last up to 10 years. Even long-life models should be tested every month.

• Replace smoke alarms every 10 years. Smoke alarm sensors wear out over time. Check the manufacture date on the back of the unit and replace the alarm when it reaches 10 years of age.

• Create and practice a fire escape plan. Knowing what to do in the event of a fire is just as important as having alarms. Create a plan with two escape routes from each room, a designated safe meeting spot outside, and practice it regularly with everyone in your home.

Carbon monoxide (CO) alarms are required in homes with a fuel-burning appliance or an attached garage.

• Where a fuel-burning appliance is installed in a suite of residential occupancy, a CO alarm shall be installed inside each bedroom, or outside each bedroom within 5m of each bedroom door.

• Where a fuel-burning appliance is installed in a service room, a CO alarm shall be installed in the service room and inside or outside bedrooms.

• CO alarms shall be inspected, tested and maintained in conformance with manufacturer's instructions.

Know Your Responsibility

Homeowners: Working smoke alarms are required in all homes. Test, maintain, and replace alarms as needed.

Building Owners and Landlords: Ensure smoke alarms are installed, maintained, and functioning in all rental units as required by law.

Tenants: Test smoke alarms regularly and promptly notify your landlord if an alarm is missing, damaged, or not working correctly.

Get Involved

Test Your Smoke Alarm Day is not only about pressing the test button – it’s about raising awareness and creating safer communities. Families, schools, and community organizations across the NWT are encouraged to take part by:

• Hosting group test events where everyone checks their alarms at the same time.

• Using the opportunity to practice home fire escape drills.

• Sharing information with neighbours, friends, and family to remind them to check their alarms.

• Engaging children with family-friendly fire safety resources, including activity sheets and colouring pages available at www.savedbythebeep.ca.

By working together, we can make sure every household in the NWT has the protection of a working smoke alarm.

Take Action

On September 28 – and every month after that – take a moment to press the test button on your smoke alarms. It is a small action that makes a big difference. That simple beep could save your life.

For more information, educational materials, and family-friendly activities, visit www.savedbythebeep.ca.