By: Sarah Grishpul
Georgina Fire and Rescue Services wants residents to get in the habit of replacing batteries in their smoke and carbon monoxide alarms when changing their clocks to daylight savings time on March 14.
“In order for smoke and carbon monoxide alarms to do their job, they need to have working batteries,” said Georgina Fire Chief Ron Jenkins in a news release.
“At least once a year, old batteries should be replaced with new batteries. When you change your clocks on March 14, Georgina Fire and Rescue Services wants everyone to take the time to install new batteries in all alarms.”
While homes equipped with newer 10-year sealed smoke and/or carbon monoxide alarms are not required to change their batteries annually, residents should still test and verify that their alarm systems perform effectively.
In a typical house fire you may only have two to three minutes to get out safely, having a working smoke alarm provides a vital early warning. However, you should also have an escape plan to increase your chances of survival.
Every home must have a working smoke alarm placed on every storey and outside or inside every bedroom.
Houses with an operating fuel-burning appliance, fireplace, or attached garage should have carbon monoxide alarms positioned outside every bedroom.
Georgina Fire and Rescue Services reminds residents that it is against the law to tamper or remove batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide alarms.
Those who violate the Fire Code are required to pay a $360 ticket or up to a $50,000 fine.
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