Change your Clocks. Change Your Batteries.
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Fire & Emergency Services remind residents to change their clocks (one hour forward) this weekend, and at the same time check electric and battery-operated smoke and carbon monoxide alarms to ensure they are in working condition.
Clocks officially turn forward on March 8, 2020, 2 a.m. This weekend when you change the clocks forward one hour, change the batteries in both smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms in your home. All alarms should be tested monthly, and replaced after 7 to 10 years, or by recommendation from the manufacturer’s instructions.
“In a fire, every second counts," says Fire Chief Darryl Bailey. "Roughly half of home fire deaths result from fires reported at night between 11 p.m. and 7 a.m. when most people are asleep. Smoke alarms can alert people to the presence of toxic smoke and give everyone an opportunity to get out alive."
Chief Bailey also emphasizes the importance of developing a home escape plan. You may have less than two minutes to safely escape the toxic smoke released from a fire. Make sure everyone knows two ways out of each room and discuss an outdoor meeting place in advance.
For alarms to do their job, they need to be operational. Alarms can be electrically powered, battery powered, or a combination of both. If you are installing electrical-powered alarms it is recommended that they have a battery back-up in case of power failures. Electrical-powered smoke alarms cannot be replaced with battery-powered smoke alarms.
Remember, every home in Ontario must have a working smoke alarm on every storey. Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms must be outside all sleeping areas – it’s the law.
Download your home escape plan guide.
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Media Contact:
Strategic Initiatives | Communications
905.584.2272 | communications@caledon.ca
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