Oakville Fire reminds residents to change batteries in smoke and CO alarms

Thu, 06 Mar 2014

Switch to daylight savings time this Sunday

The Oakville Fire department reminds all residents to change their smoke and carbon monoxide alarm batteries this Sunday, March 9, 2014, when they change their clocks for daylight savings time.

“Properly-working smoke and carbon monoxide alarms can save lives,” said Michael Harrison, public education officer with the Oakville Fire department. “Regular replacement of alarm batteries is an essential part of every home fire safety plan.”

Nearly half of all fatal fires in Ontario occur because there are no working smoke alarms in the home, most often because the alarms are worn or missing batteries.

Ontario law requires working smoke alarms on every storey of a home and outside each sleeping area. As of January 1, 2014, all homes are also required to have carbon monoxide alarms. For added protection, the Oakville Fire department recommends installing a smoke alarm inside all bedrooms.

Smoke alarms should be replaced every 10 years. Replacement times for carbon monoxide alarms vary from five to 10 years. Always follow the replacement schedule posted on each alarm.

Tampering with or permanently removing batteries from a smoke alarm is illegal. Failure to comply with the Fire Code smoke alarm requirements can result in a ticket for $235 or a fine of up to $50,000.

All residents should have a home fire safety and escape plan that includes the following steps.

• Ensure all smoke and carbon monoxide alarms are installed properly and in working order.
• Keep all exits unobstructed and easy to access.
• Practice two ways out of each room, when possible.
• Determine who will be responsible for helping young children, the elderly, or others requiring assistance.
• Identify a meeting place outside, where all household members can gather.
• In case of fire, get low and move under the smoke to the closest safe exit.
• Call 9-1-1 once outside the home using a cellphone or neighbour’s telephone.
• Stay outside where it is safe; never re-enter a burning building.

To learn more about the maintenance of smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, and home fire safety, visit the fire safety page.

For more information contact:

Michael Harrison
Public Education/Special Projects Officer
Fire Prevention Division
Oakville Fire department
905-845-6601, ext. 3602
mharrison@oakville.ca

Pamela Janes
Senior Communications Advisor
Strategy, Policy and Communications
Town of Oakville
905-845-6601, ext. 3005
pjanes@oakville.ca