Kingston Fire & Rescue is reminding the community that working smoke and carbon monoxide detectors save lives, so when you’re setting clocks back an hour to end Daylight Savings Time this Sunday, November 3, test those alarms and change the batteries to be sure your home is protected.
Even if your batteries still seem be working, Ted Posadowski, Chief Fire Prevention Officer with Kingston Fire & Rescue (KFR), says to not chance it. “We should never cut corners with life safety devices,” said Posadowski. “Working smoke and CO alarms provide people with an early warning to safely escape potentially life-threatening situations, and they’re legally required.”
You can dispose of any used single-use batteries by putting them out for collection on your regular recycling pick up day next week, November 4 to 8. Battery disposal can also be made in person at one of the drop off sites listed at rawmaterials.com or Call2Recycle.org.
According to a City release on behalf of KFR:
The Ontario Fire Code states you must have working smoke and CO alarms, and that you test these alarms monthly. Smoke alarms are required on every storey of a home, and outside sleeping areas. To learn more about where smoke and CO alarm devices must be located in a dwelling, please consult KFR’s safety and prevention pages (https://www.cityofkingston.ca/residents/emergency-services/kingston-fire-rescue/safety-prevention) .
To guarantee alarms work properly, install new batteries per the manufacturer’s instructions. Press the test button to confirm the devices are operational. Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms have a maximum life expectancy of 5 to 10 years and should be replaced in accordance with the manufacturers’ instructions.
Tenants should contact their landlord immediately if their rental property does not have properly functioning or the required number of smoke and CO alarms. It is against the law for tenants to remove or tamper with smoke or CO alarm batteries or tamper with smoke alarms in any way.
Failure to comply the Ontario Fire Code smoke and CO alarm requirements may result in a ticket or a fine for individuals, homeowners, tenants and corporations.
Photo: Kathy Warner (cc)
