It is almost time to 'fall back' for Daylight Saving Time.
We turn our clocks back by one hour Sunday November 3rd, and St.Catharines Fire is asking that you test smoke and carbon monoxide alarms at the same time.
“Changing the clocks is always a great reminder to test the smoke and carbon monoxide alarms that can make all the difference in an emergency,” said Acting Fire Chief Jeff
McCormick, adding, “alarms are proven to save lives, but that only applies when they are working and a home escape plan is prepared and acted upon.”
Residents are encouraged to ensure their alarms work by replacing the batteries every six months when the clocks change and testing them once a month.
The need to test alarms, and replace batteries, extends to hard-wired alarms.
Home owners should always be sure replacement batteries are the type recommended by the manufacturer.
Old batteries should not be thrown out in the trash, instead they can be dropped off in the bin on the second floor of St. Catharines City Hall or a Niagara Region household hazardous waste drop-off depot.
Ontario law requires working smoke alarms on every storey of a home and outside all sleeping areas.
Working carbon monoxide alarms are required in sleeping areas of homes with wood-burning fireplaces, attached garages or fuel-burning appliances such as gas furnaces, gas stoves or gas water heaters.
While testing smoke and carbon monoxide alarms is one way to ensure home safety there is more residents can do.
Link to original article on iheartradio.ca: We gain an hour of sleep this weekend, and officials are asking you to check your smoke alarms