An extra hour of sleep is great, but remembering to change your smoke alarm batteries when you set your clocks back this weekend is better.
The London Fire Department is reminding homeowners to replace the batteries in all smoke and carbon monoxide alarms when they are setting clocks back by one hour when Daylight Saving Time comes to an end early Sunday morning.
"It is very important to use that extra hour wisely and make sure that you change the batteries in your CO alarms and smoke alarms so you are protected in case anything happens," said Acting Deputy Fire Chief Jack Burt. "There has been a staggering amount of fires that we have had this year where there was no detection. Early detection is the key to make sure everyone gets out safely. Not having that detection greatly increases your chance of serious injury or death."
Burt also recommends checking both devices for a best before date.
"Smoke alarms only last ten years so you need to make sure that those smoke alarms aren't expired. CO alarms may last anywhere from five to ten years, even hardwired smoke alarms do expire. So check those alarms this weekend to make sure they are not expired," said Burt.
It is the law to have working smoke alarms on every storey of a home and outside of all sleeping areas. Fines for tampering with or removing smoke alarm batteries can be as high as $50,000. Homes that contain a fuel-burning appliance or attached garage are also required to have working carbon monoxide alarms adjacent to all sleeping areas.
Standard Time returns at 2 a.m. on Sunday.
