When you change your clocks this weekend, make sure you also change your batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms.
That's the message from fire and emergency services officials in the region with the clocks set to spring ahead an hour at 2 a.m. Sunday morning for Daylight Saving Time.
"Making sure you have working alarms in your home this weekend is what we like to call daylight ‘safety’ time," said Chatham-Kent Chatham-Kent Fire and Emergency Services (CKFES) Public Educator Whitney Burk. "Change your clocks, change your batteries is simple reminder from us to check your alarms when you change your clocks."
A release from CFKES said you should press the button on the alarms to test them, replace the batteries if applicable, and make sure everyone in your home knows how to get out and where to meet if the alarm sounds.
Officials said this weekend is also a good time to check the manufacture date on the alarms -- they need to be replaced every 10 years or as per manufacturers instructions.
"Even if the alarm appears functional the sensors begin to lose sensitivity as the alarm ages," said Burk. "The test button only confirms that the battery, electronics, and alert system are working."
CKFES officials are also reminding the public that they continue to offer free CHiRP Home Safety Checks where firefighters come to your home to check the alarms and talk about fire safety. You can request one of those checks by calling 519-360-1998 or emailing ckfire@chatham-kent.ca.
