‘Spring’ forward with VFRS

Change your smoke and CO alarm batteries when you turn your clocks ahead this weekend

It’s that time of year again where we gain an hour of sunshine by turning our clocks forward. When you change your clocks for Daylight Saving Time on Sunday, March 9, remember to change the batteries in your carbon monoxide (CO) and smoke alarms too! 

To ensure your alarms are always ready in case of an emergency, follow these essential tips from Vaughan Fire and Rescue Service (VFRS):

• 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.
• Install combination smoke and CO alarms so you have less devices to test and maintain.
• If possible, 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 with strobe lights or bed shakers for those who are hearing impaired.
• Dust can clog a smoke alarm, so gently vacuum alarms every six months using a soft brush. Never vacuum electrically connected alarms unless you shut off the power. Test your unit when you are finished cleaning. 
• Follow the manufacturer’s instructions when installing, testing and maintaining smoke alarms.
• Mount smoke alarms on the ceiling or high on the wall – no more than 30 centimetres (12 inches) from the ceiling and away from corners. Don’t install alarms near windows, doors or ducts because a draft can interfere with their operation – so can painting or placing decorations over an alarm.

Remember, your CO alarm sounds different than your smoke alarm. Test both alarms regularly and make sure 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.

Today, VFRS was sharing fire safety tips live on The Weather Network and received a donation of $17,000 worth of smoke alarms from Kidde Canada that will be installed in homes across Vaughan. VFRS is partnering with CHATS Community Programs to install these smoke alarms in the homes of older adults, who have a higher risk of fire related injury. If your existing smoke alarms require testing or if you have a concern with them, you can request assistance by contacting VFRS at firerescue@vaughan.ca to conduct a fire safety check of your home. 

For more information and fire safety tips, visit vaughan.ca/fire and watch the City’s video on the importance of checking your alarms. 

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