Toronto Launches ‘Give a Beep’ Campaign Urging Residents to Test Smoke Alarms as Fire Risks Rise

City underscores life-saving importance of working smoke alarms amid winter fire hazards

TORONTO — The City of Toronto is calling on residents to “Give a Beep” about fire safety with a new public awareness campaign aimed at reducing preventable fire-related injuries and deaths across the city. Launched December 1, the month-long initiative stresses a simple but critical message: a working smoke alarm can save your life.

The campaign comes as Toronto Fire Services (TFS) reports a troubling rise in incidents involving non-functioning smoke alarms. So far in 2025, there have been 145 cases of homes with non-working alarms, up from 118 in 2024. At the same time, approximately 60 per cent of fires in single-family homes occurred where no working smoke alarm was present.

A campaign focused on prevention

The “Give a Beep” campaign urges homeowners, tenants, landlords, and business owners to prioritize fire safety by following key steps:

• Test all smoke alarms to ensure they are in proper working condition.

• Install smoke alarms on every level of the home and outside all sleeping areas, as required by the Ontario Fire Code.

• Replace missing or faulty alarms immediately—especially in rental units where landlords bear legal responsibility.

• Stay alert during the winter months when heating systems, candles and holiday decorations increase the risk of indoor fires.

City officials emphasized that once a smoke alarm activates, individuals may have as little as one minute to escape safely. Regular testing is essential to ensure alarms will function when needed most.

City of Toronto asks residents to “Give a Beep” about smoke alarms

News Release: https://t.co/h8EhdakrQs pic.twitter.com/vvYfFYbMJW

— City of Toronto 🇨🇦 (@cityoftoronto) December 1, 2025

City officials reinforce urgency

Mayor Olivia Chow called on Torontonians to take the campaign’s message seriously.

“Fires strike quickly and without warning. Checking your smoke alarm is non-negotiable for every homeowner and landlord. This campaign is about getting the word out to all Torontonians: a working smoke alarm saves lives.”

Fire Chief Jim Jessop echoed the importance of preventative action.

“Each year, countless homes and lives are impacted by fires that could have been prevented or their severity reduced through the simple use of smoke alarms. Maintaining smoke alarms is not just a routine task, but a life-saving responsibility. As winter approaches and the risk of indoor fires rises, vigilance in this area is more important than ever.”

Citywide rollout

The “Give a Beep” campaign will be promoted throughout December across City communication channels. Residents can find safety guidelines, equipment recommendations and additional fire prevention resources on the City’s website.

Toronto Fire Services continues to remind the public that smoke alarms must be tested monthly and replaced at least every 10 years, or sooner if recommended by the manufacturer.

For more information, visit:
https://www.toronto.ca/community-people/public-safety-alerts/safety-tips-prevention/safety-equipment-devices/smoke-alarms/

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