Daylight saving time began overnight, and with clocks springing forward, Windsor Fire and Rescue has put out a customary reminder.
The time change is recommended by fire officials as a good time to check the batteries on smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors to ensure they are in good working order.
The fire service reminds residents that working smoke detectors are required on each level of a home, and outside all sleeping areas. Having a smoke alarm installed in the bedrooms would not hurt either.
If your home has a fireplace, an attached garage, and-or a fuel-burning appliance, you must also have a CO detector outside all sleeping areas.
Removing the batteries or otherwise tampering with them is a criminal offence. Failure to follow the Fire Code may result in fines between $360 and $50,000.
The switch from standard time to daylight saving took place at 2 a.m. Sunday, though the practice of springing forward may soon end. The Ontario Legislature passed Bill 214 in November 2020, which will make daylight saving time permanent. However, the bill will not take effect until Quebec and New York State also agree to end the practice.