CHARLOTTETOWN – The Charlottetown Fire Department (CFD) is reminding residents to check their smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors at the same time they adjust their clocks to mark the end of daylight saving time on Sunday, Nov. 3.
Smoke alarms are one of the best ways to prevent fire-related injuries or death and one should be placed on every level of your home and in every sleeping room. Figures from Statistics Canada show 13 per cent of domestic fires that occurred from 2015 to 2021 were the result of improperly working fire alarms.
The CFD recommends checking the batteries for your smoke alarm and carbon monoxide detectors twice a year when daylight saving time begins and ends.
Other tips for maintaining your smoke alarm:
• Gently vacuum your smoke alarm using the soft brush attachment as excess dust can trigger the sensor and cause a false alarm.
• Test all smoke alarms at least once a month by pressing the test button.
• Change the batteries immediately if you hear your smoke alarm “chirp”; do not disconnect it and leave it for another day.
• Never paint a smoke alarm or carbon monoxide detector, and do not install them near windows because a draft could interfere with their operation.
• Replace all smoke alarms every 10 years.
The CDF will be offering free smoke alarm batteries to the public at a “Change your Clocks, Change your Batteries,” event on Saturday, Nov 2. from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. (or until supplies last) at the University Avenue McDonald’s.
Residents are advised to properly store their new batteries to minimize fire hazards. Old batteries can be dropped off for recycling at City Hall.
Visit charlottetown.ca/fire for more fire prevention tips or information about the Charlottetown Fire Department.