Chatham-Kent Fire & Emergency Services reminds CK residents that when they adjust their clocks this weekend, to also change the batteries in their smoke and carbon monoxide alarms.
“The peak time for home fire and carbon monoxide fatalities is between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. when most families are asleep. Alarm maintenance is a simple, effective way to reduce home fire deaths. A working smoke alarm can give your family the extra seconds you need to get out of a home fire safely,” says Fire & Paramedic Chief Ken Stuebing.
In addition, families should plan and practice their home fire escape plan, knowing “two ways out” and how they would assist children and those who may require assistance.
Chatham-Kent Fire & Emergency Services also recommends that residents:
– Take the time, once a month, to test smoke alarms by pushing the test button.
– Never remove the batteries from smoke alarms. If nuisance alarms are a problem try moving the alarm to another location or purchase an alarm with a “hush feature” that temporarily silences the alarm.
– Replace smoke alarms according to manufactures instructions (usually after 10 years). Smoke Alarms do not last forever.
To learn more about home escape plans & fire prevention, visit www.ckfire.com
– Submitted photo: Chatham firefighter Tom Dodman.
