Time change a good reminder to check your smoke and CO alarm batteries

Clocks spring forward at 2:00 a.m. this Sunday, March 12 and the St. Marys Fire Department is recommending residents install new batteries in their smoke and carbon monoxide alarms (CO) when they change their clocks.

"Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms sense fire well before you can, but only if they have working batteries." States Chief Fire Prevention Officer Brian Leverton. “When you change your clocks on March 12, take the time to install new batteries in all alarms.”

It is the law to have working alarms on every storey of the home and outside all sleeping areas. For added protection, it is recommended to also install 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.

“Most fatal fires occur at night when people are asleep,” explains Leverton. “Smoke alarms provide an early warning in the event of a fire, allowing residents to escape their homes safely.”

Tampering with or removing the batteries from your smoke and CO alarms is against the law and can result in a ticket for $360 or a fine of up to $50,000. For more information, contact the St. Marys Fire Department at 519-284-1752 or visit www.townofstmarys.com/smokealarms.

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For media inquiries:
Brett O’Reilly, Corporate Communications Manager
519-284-2340, ext. 432 | boreilly@town.stmarys.on.ca