Chatham-Kent Fire & Emergency Services is recommending residents install new batteries in their smoke and carbon monoxide alarms when they change their clocks this weekend.
In order for smoke and carbon monoxide alarms to do their job, they need to have working batteries. At least once a year, old batteries should be replaced with new ones.
“Most alarms have a battery of some sort; certain alarms rely completely on batteries to operate, while others use batteries as back-up to their hardwired connection,” stated Public Educator Whitney Burk, in a media release.
“Either way, it’s essential to having working batteries in your alarms and the best way to guarantee this is to replace them.”
If you don’t want to change the battery in your alarms every year, there’s good news.
Alarm companies now offer devices with a 10-year battery.
These ‘worry free’ alarms, powered by a sealed-in 10-year lithium battery, last the entire life of the alarm. You can purchase them at most local retailers and are available in both smoke and combination alarms.
In order to escape safely from a fire, you need to be provided with an early warning and know what to do when the alarms sound.
It’s the law to have working smoke alarms on every storey of the home and outside all sleeping areas.
Carbon monoxide alarms must be installed outside all sleeping areas if your home has a fuel-burning appliance, fireplace or attached garage.
