Spring Safety Reminder: Replace smoke and carbon monoxide alarm batteries
Daylight saving time starts at 2 a.m. on Sunday, March 10. Remember to replace the batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms when you change your clocks. Working smoke alarms save lives. Ensure your alarms are functioning properly to keep your family safe.
It is required by law that all landlords and homeowners have working smoke alarms on every storey of the home and outside all sleeping areas. Removing or tampering with smoke and carbon monoxide devices can result in fines of up to $50,000 for an individual and/or one year imprisonment.
In 2023, there were 112 fire-related deaths, down from 133 in 2022, the highest in over 20 years. To prevent these tragedies, ensure smoke and carbon monoxide alarms are working and have a fire escape plan.
Mark your calendar to remember to test smoke alarms monthly and replace them if they are more than 10 years old. It is also important that everyone in your home knows what to do should a smoke alarm sound. Ensure your family has an escape plan, complete with a meeting place, and practice it regularly.
If your home does not yet have a carbon monoxide alarm, now is the time to purchase one. The Ontario Fire Code requires every house, condo, apartment, hotel, and university residence with a fuel-burning device and any building with an attached garage to have a working carbon monoxide alarm.
Smoke and carbon monoxide alarm tips:
- Install alarms on every storey and outside all sleeping areas. Consider alarms in every bedroom and additional ones for larger homes.
- Place carbon monoxide alarms outside sleeping areas if you have fuel-burning appliances, fireplaces, or attached garages. Install them on every storey as well.
- Test alarms monthly and change batteries in spring and fall.
- Replace alarms according to manufacturer’s recommendations or if they are over 10 years old.
For more information about Oshawa Fire Services and fire prevention, visit Oshawa.ca/fire or follow @OshawaFire on Twitter.
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