The Oakville Fire department is reminding residents to change their smoke and carbon monoxide alarm batteries when they change their clocks for daylight savings time this Sunday, March 8.
“Nearly half of all fatal fires in Ontario occur because there are no working smoke alarms in the home,” said Deputy Fire Chief George Birtig. “Switching the batteries in your alarms twice a year – when the clocks change – is a simple and effective way to prevent house fires and keep your family safe.”
Ontario law requires working smoke alarms on every storey of a home and outside each sleeping area. As of October 15, 2014, all homes are also required to have carbon monoxide alarms. For added protection, the Oakville Fire department recommends installing a smoke alarm inside all bedrooms.
Smoke alarms should be replaced every 10 years. Replacement times for carbon monoxide alarms vary from five to 10 years. Always follow the replacement schedule posted on each alarm.
Tampering with or permanently removing batteries from a smoke alarm is illegal. Failure to comply with the Fire Code smoke alarm requirements can result in a ticket for $235 or a fine of up to $50,000.
All residents should have a home fire safety and escape plan that includes the following steps:
- Ensure all smoke and carbon monoxide alarms are installed properly and working.
- Keep all exits unobstructed and easy to access.
- Practice two ways out of each room, when possible.
- Determine who will be responsible for helping young children, the elderly, or others requiring assistance.
- Identify a meeting place outside, where all household members can gather.
- In case of fire, get low and move under the smoke to the closest safe exit.
- Call 9-1-1 once outside the home using a cellphone or neighbour’s telephone.
- Stay outside where it is safe; never re-enter a burning building.
To learn more about the maintenance of smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, and home fire safety, visit oakville.ca.