Smoke alarm testing for Regina rental properties to restart next week – Regina | The Canadian News

Regina Fire and Protective Services (RFPS) says smoke alarm tests will be fully reset at rental properties starting December 13.

Testing is a requirement for owners, property managers, and licensed agents in rental properties under Regina’s fire statutes.

However, the smoke alarm test was paused to reduce the transmission of COVID-19 within the community.

“Thanks to the large number of vaccinated residents and continued health and safety measures, home smoke alarm testing can now be safely resumed,” RFPS stated in Tuesday’s announcement.

The fire department says testing is required to begin as soon as possible after the suspension ends. It will continue until testing is completed on all rental units.

RFPS reminds rental property owners and authorized agents that smoke alarms must be tested in all units every six months and before a new tenant moves in. Buildings constructed and used as rental property prior to 2013 must have hard-wired smoke detectors in working order at all times.

The department says that installations must be performed by a licensed licensed electrician. An electrical permit must be in place before beginning the installation process.

Residents should follow COVID-19 safety practices when conducting alarm tests, including wearing masks, physical distancing when possible, and use of hand sanitizer.

“When a smoke alarm works as designed and people respond as intended, it increases the chance of survival by 50 percent,” the fire department added in its statement.

“Testing these devices regularly can make a difference in whether they wake up when it matters most.”

You can find more information in the Regina City Website.