As the clocks spring forward one hour at 2 a.m. on Sunday, March 12th, the Saugeen Shores Fire Department wants residents to install new batteries in their smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) alarms.
“In order for smoke and carbon monoxide alarms to do their job, they need working batteries,” explained Fire Chief Ed Melanson. “At least once a year, residents should replace old batteries with new ones. When you change your clocks on Saturday, we want everyone to take the time to install new batteries in all alarms.”
In order to survive a fire, you need an early warning system and know what to do when the smoke alarms sound. Working smoke alarms are required on every storey of every home and outside all sleeping areas. For added protection, the Department also recommends installing 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.
Tampering with or removing the batteries from your smoke and CO alarms is against the law. Failure to comply with the Fire Code can result in a ticket for $360 or a fine of up to $50,000.
