In 2004 there were 143 structure fires per week in Ontario, 106 of those occurring in homes. On average 11 civilians and 2 firefighters were injured per week.

Effective March 1, 2006, the Ontario Fire Marshall has amended the Ontario Fire Code making smoke detectors mandatory on every floor of a residential home. These changes have been made to further protect the life safety of occupants in residential housing.

Smoke detectors provide early warning to occupants giving them a better chance at a safe evacuation. More information can be found on the EOHSS Fire Prevention/Protection website at www.workingatmcmaster.ca/eohss or at the Ontario Fire Marshall's website at www.ofm.gov.on.ca.

Failure to comply with the new requirement will result in a $235 ticket.

Smoke detectors save lives:

* Test your smoke alarms every month using the test button.

* Replace smoke alarm batteries at least once a year, and whenever the low-battery warning chirps.

* Smoke alarms don't last forever. Replace smoke alarms with new ones if they are more than ten years old.

* Steam from the shower or cooking in the oven, stove or toaster can cause smoke alarms to activate.

* DO NOT REMOVE THE BATTERY. Instead, try moving the alarm to a different location, or purchase a smoke alarm with a hush feature that will temporarily silence the alarm.