Caledon firefighters will be making house calls to check smoke alarms and share fire safety tips with residents.
The door-to-door to visits are part of the local fire department’s annual Home Safe Home program which runs from May to October.
“The Home Safe Home program plays a vital role in fire prevention by promoting awareness and ensuring that Caledon residents have working smoke and carbon monoxide alarms — two critical tools in preventing fire-related injuries and fatalities,” Deputy Fire Chief Samantha Hoffmann said in an email statement.
Hoffmann explained that during these visits, Caledon firefighters will provide education, answer safety questions, and offer inspections to help residents proactively protect themselves and their families.
The firefighters will be in uniform and participation is optional.
Hoffmann said of the 1,656 homes visited last year, 792 people were not home (and information was left for them) and 49 homeowners did not want to participate.
According to the deputy fire chief, 170 homes were fully inspected, and 33 alarms were installed to replace those that were not working or missing.
“Only working smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) alarms can provide the time you and your family need to safely escape a fire,” Hoffmann pointed out.
She also noted that “it’s the law in Ontario” to have working smoke alarms on every storey of your home and outside all sleeping areas.
She wanted residents to know that smoke and CO alarms expire and need to be replaced every 10 years.
Hoffmann also said the number of fire calls increased last year.
“Caledon Fire and Emergency Services received 109 fire calls in 2024, up from 95 in 2023,” she stated.