Daylight saving time begins and clocks turn back one hour at 2 a.m. on Sunday, Nov. 6. Quinte West Fire and Emergency Services remind residents to check their smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, and change the alarm batteries, when they turn their clocks back.
Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms save lives. Working smoke alarms are required on every storey of the home and outside all sleeping areas. For added protection, smoke alarms should also be installed 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.
“Nearly 60% of home fire deaths occur in homes without a working smoke alarm. Be sure to change the batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms when you turn your clocks back this weekend,” says Sarah Scott, Fire Prevention Officer.
Quinte West Fire and Emergency Services cautions residents that tampering with or removing the batteries from your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms is against the law. Failure to have properly-working smoke and carbon monoxide alarms in the home can result in a $360 fine or other charges under the Fire Protection and Prevention Act.
The simple act of testing and replacing the batteries in all smoke and carbon monoxide alarms is a great way to keep yourself and all household members safe.