CBRM News

Smoke Alarm Installation Program

The Smoke Alarm Installation Program provides and installs smoke alarms free of charge for eligible homeowners in the Cape Breton Regional Municipality (CBRM).

Smoke alarms are your best line of defence against fire and can cut the risk of fatality in a house fire nearly in half. Smoke alarms save lives. But a smoke alarm can’t save your life if it isn’t working.

To ensure more residents can benefit from this program, the program offers one smoke alarm per floor with bedrooms. For example, if you have two bedrooms on the same floor, you’ll receive one alarm. If bedrooms are on two different floors, you’ll receive two alarms.

Due to limited supply, smoke alarms will be distributed based on need and in the order requests are received. The deadline to apply is October 31, 2025, or while supplies last.

If you do not have a working smoke alarm, please fill in the form HERE or call 311 for assistance in filling out the form. The Fire Department will contact you if you are eligible for the program.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What do I do after filling in the form?

The Fire Prevention Officer will review the requests and assign them to the appropriate local fire department for service.

2. How much does it cost?

The smoke alarms and installation are free of charge to eligible homeowners as part of this program.

3. Who installs the smoke alarms?

Your local fire department will visit your residence, install the alarm(s) as needed, provide education on the operation, testing and maintenance of smoke alarms and discuss additional fire safety topics.

4. How long do the smoke alarms last?

The provided alarms have a 10-year lifespan. It is the homeowner/ occupant’s responsibility to test the smoke alarm monthly, replace batteries as needed, maintain the alarm in proper working condition and replace the alarm unit according to manufacturer’s recommendations.

5. How many smoke alarms can I receive?

To ensure more residents can benefit from this program, each household can receive one smoke alarm per floor with bedrooms. For example, if you have two bedrooms on the same floor, you’ll receive one alarm. If bedrooms are on two different floors, you’ll receive two alarms.

6. I already have smoke alarms. Can I still apply?

If you already have working alarms, you do not apply for additional ones through this program. If your alarms are broken or expired, you may still be eligible.

7. I am a tenant. What should I do?

CBRM By-Law M-100 requires owners/ operators to install working smoke alarms between each sleeping area and the remainder of the dwelling unit.

If you are renting and your residence does not have a working smoke alarm, you may contact your landlord and/or apply for the program. We will ask for your landlord’s contact information so we can confirm details.

8. How do I apply?

Fill out the online intake form. If you need help completing it, call 311.