Spring Forward Safely with Working Smoke and CO Alarms

Clocks spring forward at 2:00 a.m. this Sunday, March 8, and the St. Marys Fire Department is reminding residents to install fresh batteries in their smoke and carbon monoxide alarms when they change their clocks.

This year, the Fire Department is partnering with Sunset Diner to help spread the message. In the accompanying photo, Fire Chief Phil West and Hilary Hughes of Sunset Diner are teaming up to remind residents that a quick safety check can make a lifesaving difference.

“Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms can sense danger long before you can, but only if they are working properly,” says Phil West, Fire Chief for the Town of St. Marys. “When you change your clocks on March 8, take a few minutes to replace the batteries in all of your alarms and check the expiry dates. Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms expire after 10 years and must be replaced if they are past that date.”

Working alarms are required by law. Smoke alarms must be installed on every storey of the home and outside all sleeping areas. For added protection, smoke alarms are also recommended inside all bedrooms.

Carbon monoxide alarms must also be installed on every storey of the home, and outside all sleeping areas if the home contains a fuel-burning appliance, fireplace, or attached garage.

Most fatal fires occur at night when people are asleep. Working smoke alarms provide early warning, giving residents valuable time to escape safely.

Tampering with or removing the batteries from smoke or CO alarms is against the law and can result in a $360 ticket or fines of up to $50,000.

For more information about smoke and carbon monoxide alarm requirements, contact the St. Marys Fire Department at 519-284-1752 or visit www.townofstmarys.com/smokealarms.

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Hilary Hughes from Sunset Diner joined Fire Chief Phil West to remind residents to change the batteries in the smoke and CO alarms when the clocks go forward this Sunday.

For media inquiries:
Phil West, Director of Emergency Services/Fire Chief
519-284-2340, ext. 201 | pwest@town.stmarys.on.ca