Change your clocks, change your batteries

Sault Ste. Marie Fire Services reminds residents to change their clocks (one hour forward) this weekend, along with testing all hard-wired and battery-operated smoke alarms to ensure they are in working condition.

Clocks officially turn forward on March 10, 2019, 2:00 a.m. This weekend when you change the clocks forward one hour, change the batteries in ALL smoke and carbon monoxide alarms in your home. All alarms should be tested monthly. Remember, all smoke and carbon monoxide alarms expire – check the date on the back of each alarm and replace according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

"Working smoke alarms are a crucial part of fire safety in the home," says Public Education Officer Aaron Gravelle. "Early warning from working smoke alarms alerts people to the presence of smoke and can give them time to escape safely."

It is the law to have working smoke 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. Carbon monoxide alarms must be installed outside all sleeping areas if your home has a fuel-burning appliance, fireplace or attached garage.

Along with having and maintaining working smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, Sault Fire Services stresses the importance of developing a home escape plan. You may have less than two minutes to safely escape your home if a fire occurs. Ensure everyone knows two ways out of each room and have an outdoor meeting place.