Chatham-Kent Fire & Rescue is reminding residents when they change the clocks back this weekend, to change the batteries in their smoke and carbon monoxide alarms.
“Time change is a great reminder for people to replace the batteries in their alarms and we are also asking residences to check the date on them too, as they expire,” stated Whitney Burk, public educator, in a media release.
“All alarms, even hardwired ones need to be replaced, usually after 10 years, and we have seen an increase of expired alarms in homes across CK. Today, you may have less than three minutes to escape safely during a fire. Expired alarms can take 2 and a half minutes to sound, new alarms sound within seconds. You need this early warning to escape safely.”
If your alarms need replacement and you don’t want to change the battery in your alarms every year, alarm companies now offer devices with a 10-year battery, fire officials say.
These ‘worry free’ alarms, powered by a sealed-in 10-year lithium battery, last the entire life of the alarm.
These can be purchased at most local retailers.
Need assistance with your alarms?
Contact us for a CHiRP Home Alarm Check by visiting ckfire.ca or calling 311.
