Change your clocks, change your batteries this weekend, fire services reminds

Daylight Saving Time is this Sunday and Sault Ste. Marie Fire Services wants to remind the public to change the batteries in any smoke and Carbon monoxide (CO) alarms along with the clocks says a news release issued earlier this morning. 

"This weekend when you change the clocks back 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," the news release states.  

It is the law to have working smoke alarms on every storey of your home and outside all sleeping areas. For added protection, it is also recommended to install smoke alarms inside all bedrooms. 

CO alarms must be installed outside all sleeping areas if your home has a fuel-burning appliance, fireplace or attached garage.

The full release is as follows:

Sault Ste. Marie Fire Services reminds residents to change their clocks (one hour back) 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 backward on Nov. 7, 2021, 2 a.m. This weekend when you change the clocks back 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 time to escape safely."

It is the law to have working smoke alarms on every storey of the home and outside 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 and have an outdoor meeting place.