As residents prepare to move their clocks forward one hour tonight, Sault Ste. Marie Fire Services has issued a reminder that it's also time to test smoke and CO alarms.
"This weekend when you change the clocks forward one hour, change the batteries in all smoke and carbon monoxide alarms in your home," Fire Services said in a news release. "All alarms should be tested monthly."
Full text of the release follows:
Sault Ste. Marie Fire Services reminds residents to change their clocks (one hour forward) this weekend, along with testing all hard-wired and battery-operated smoke and CO alarms to ensure they are in working condition.
Clocks officially turn forward on March 10, 2024, 2 a.m. This weekend when you change the clocks forward one hour, change the batteries in all smoke and carbon monoxide alarms in your home. All alarms should be tested monthly. Remember, all smoke and carbon monoxide alarms expire – check the date on the back of each alarm and replace according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
“Working smoke alarms are a crucial part of fire safety in the home," says Public Education Officer Aaron Gravelle. "Early warning from working smoke alarms alerts people to the presence of smoke and can give them much needed time to escape safely."
It is the law to have working smoke alarms on every storey of the home and outside of all sleeping areas. For added protection, it is recommended to also install smoke alarms inside all bedrooms.
Carbon monoxide (CO) alarms must be installed outside all sleeping areas if your home has a fuel-burning appliance, fireplace or attached garage.
Along with having and maintaining working smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, Sault Fire Services stresses the importance of developing a home escape plan. You may have less than two minutes to safely escape your home if a fire occurs. Ensure everyone knows two ways out of each room along with an outdoor meeting place. Remember, fire safety starts with you. Pay attention to fire prevention.
SooToday.com
