Check your alarms!
What better way to spend the extra hour you have gained today than by taking steps to keep your family and home safe? Vaughan Fire and Rescue Service encourages you to change the batteries in both your smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) alarms every daylight time – in the fall and spring.
To ensure your alarms are ready to alert you to an emergency, remember to follow these essential tips:
- Replace your CO alarms every five to 10 years and your smoke alarms every 10 years – they do expire and will have a date clearly marked on them.
- Use interconnected smoke alarms – when one alarm sounds, they should all sound throughout your home.
- Test all alarms at least once a month. Press the test button to be sure the alarm is working.
- Use special alarms for those with hearing loss or are deaf – these alarms have strobe lights and bed shakers.
Remember, your CO alarm sounds different than your smoke alarm. Test both alarms regularly and ensure everyone in your home knows the difference between the two alarm sounds. It’s also important to know the difference between the low-battery warning, end-of-life warning and emergency alarm sounds – consult your smoke and CO alarm manufacturer instructions.
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