With the clocks falling back one hour on Sunday, Windsor Fire and Rescue Services is reminding the public to change the batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide alarms.
The clocks officially roll back at 2 a.m. November 4, and fire officials said new batteries should be installed in all smoke and carbon monoxide alarms when the clocks are changed.
“In order for smoke and carbon monoxide alarms to do their job, they need to have working batteries,” explained Fire Chief Stephen Laforet. “Once a year, old batteries should be replaced with new batteries. When you change your clocks on November 4, Windsor Fire & Rescue Services wants everyone to take the time to install new batteries in all alarms.”
"In order to survive a fire, you need to be provided with an early warning and know what to do when the smoke alarms sound," he added. "Working smoke alarms are required on every storey of the home and outside all sleeping areas."
For added protection, smoke alarms are also recommended inside all bedrooms. Carbon monoxide alarms must be installed outside all sleeping areas if your home has a fuel-burning appliance, fireplace or attached garage.
Tampering with or removing the batteries from your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms is against the law and failure to comply with the Fire Code can result in a ticket of $360 or a fine of up to $50,000.
The latest provincial statistics show that there have been 77 fire-related deaths in Ontario so far this year compared to 66 during the same period last year.
CO alarm. (Photo courtesy of Windsor Fire)
This week is also Carbon Monoxide Awareness Week and Windsor Fire and Rescue Services reminds the public to get fuel-burning appliances inspected annually and to ensure alarms are installed and working.
To learn more about fire prevention, visit www.windsorfire.com.
