Kingston Fire & Rescue is reminding the community that while moving clocks ahead one hour for daylight savings time on Sunday, March 14, you should also test your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and change batteries.
“We might be ‘losing’ an hour but this weekend is a great opportunity to gain confidence in our smoke and carbon monoxide alarms by ensuring they have new batteries,” says Delbert Blakney, Fire Inspector with Kingston Fire & Rescue (KFR).
Always install new batteries and press the test button to confirm the devices are operational. Also check the indicated expiry date for smoke and carbon monoxide alarms as they should be replaced as per the manufacturers’ instructions which is typically every 5 to 10 years.
“Check your manual for the exact warranty period. If your alarm is more than 10 years old, it’s time for a replacement,” said Blakney. “Working smoke and CO alarms provide you with early warning to safely escape potentially life-threatening situations, and they’re legally required.” He also suggests using the old batteries in your remotes, flashlights or other non-essential electronics.
Tenants residing in a rental property that does not have properly functioning or the required number of smoke and CO alarms should contact their landlord immediately. Also note that it is illegal for tenants to remove or tamper with smoke or CO alarm batteries or tamper with the alarms in any way.
Photo: Kathy Warner (cc)
