WAKE UP: Firefighters knocking on doors to check smoke, carbon monoxide alarms

_ (press release) _ ** Ottawa ** – Ottawa Fire Services (OFS) firefighters will be out in the community from June 6 to 13 to encourage residents to install, test and ensure that smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms in their homes are present and in working condition.

Next week is the first of two eight-day blitzes OFS plans for 2016 as part of its annual Wake Up campaign. The second blitz will take place in September.

During this period homes throughout the city will receive visits from firefighters. The Ontario Fire Code requires homes to have a working smoke alarm on each floor and outside each sleeping area. Carbon monoxide alarms are required outside sleeping areas if the home has an attached garage or a fuel fired appliance.

Homeowners who need new or additional alarms will be given information on how to acquire one. Homeowners who do not have any working smoke alarms may have one immediately installed for them, or be provided with new batteries.

Visits will take place between 6 and 8 p.m. on weekdays and between 2 and 4 p.m. on weekends. Firefighters will be in uniform and residents are not obligated to provide them access to their home. This is a courtesy call only.

Only selected areas will be visited. If no one is home when OFS comes calling, fire safety information will be left in the mailbox.

Firefighters visit Ottawa homes in this manner each spring and fall and have been doing so since the Wake Up program began in 2005. For more information visit ottawa.ca .

For more information on all City programs and services, visit ottawa.ca or call 3-1-1 (TTY: 613-580-9656 ). You can also connect with us through Facebook , Twitter and Instagram .