Daylight saving time begins Sunday, March 11 at 2 a.m. – and as we set clocks ahead one hour, the Campbell River Fire Department recommends changing smoke alarm batteries.
Fire Prevention Canada reports that, on average, fire kills eight people each week in Canada, with residential fires accounting for 73 per cent of these fatalities.
“Roughly two-thirds of home fire deaths occur in homes with no smoke alarms or working smoke alarms,” says deputy fire chief Thomas Doherty. “When smoke alarms should have worked but failed to operate, it’s usually because batteries were missing, disconnected or dead.”
National Fire Protection Association recommendations for smoke alarms:
- Install smoke alarms inside and outside each bedroom and sleeping area as well as on every level of the home.
- Test smoke alarms at least once a month using the test button.
- Make sure everyone in the home recognizes the sound of the smoke alarm and knows how to respond.
- Replace all smoke alarms when they are 10 years old.
- Replace the smoke alarm immediately if it doesn’t respond properly when tested.
- Smoke alarms with non-replaceable (long-life) batteries are designed to remain effective for up to 10 years. If the alarm chirps, a warning that the batter is low, replace the entire smoke alarm right away.
- For smoke alarms with any other type of battery, replace batteries at least once a year. If the alarm chirps, replace only the battery.