Cobourg Fire Department is asking residents to take a minute today, September 28, to test every smoke alarm in their home. The local reminder is part of Ontario’s fourth annual Test Your Smoke Alarm Day and this year places particular attention on students and young adults living independently for the first time.
The quick household check
Use the test button on each alarm and make sure the device sounds. The Town’s fire-safety notice says alarms should be tested monthly, batteries changed at least once a year and alarms replaced after 10 years of use.
The notice also reminds residents that Ontario law requires a working smoke alarm on every storey of a home and outside all sleeping areas.
Why today’s reminder matters
The Cobourg Fire Department says most fatal fires occur in homes without working smoke alarms. A successful button test today is a useful check, but it does not replace the regular monthly test recommended in the municipal notice.
The provincial campaign provides additional resources for people living on their own for the first time. The Town’s September 25 notice links to those materials and other fire-safety information.
Reporting sources
This original report was checked against the Town notice below. Source links are provided for attribution; the practical details are included above.