Beaver Staff
Daylight savings ends on Sunday at 2 a.m. and Greater Napanee Emergency Services (GNES) is recommending residents install new batteries in their smoke and carbon monoxide alarms when they change their clocks this weekend.
“In order for smoke and carbon monoxide alarms to do their job, they need to have working batteries,” explained GNES Fire Prevention Officer Dean Martin. “Once a year, old batteries should be replaced with new batteries. When you change your clocks this weekend, GNES wants everyone to take the time to install new batteries in all alarms. When replacing a battery, follow the manufacturer’s list of batteries which can be found on the back of the alarm or in the instructions. Using any other battery than what is listed may cause the alarm to not function properly. If your smoke or carbon monoxide alarm has a non-replaceable battery, it is designed to function for up to 10 years. When the alarm chirps, it is indication the battery is low, and the unit needs to be replaced.”
Surviving a fire has everything to do with preparedness. Occupants need early warning and know what to do when the smoke alarms sound. It’s 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 (i.e. a furnace), fireplace or attached garage. Tampering with or removing the batteries from your smoke or carbon monoxide alarm is against the law. Violations of the Fire Code can result in a ticket for $360 or a fine of up to $50,000.