On March 10th remember to change your clock, change your battery

HAMILTON, ON –  The Hamilton Fire Department would like to remind all citizens to replace the batteries in all their smoke and carbon monoxide alarms this weekend when they adjust their clocks forward for day-light savings time. 

“In order for smoke and carbon monoxide alarms to do their job, they need to have working batteries,” explained Fire Chief David Cunliffe. “Once a year, old batteries should be replaced with new batteries. When you change your clocks on March 10th, Hamilton Fire Department wants everyone to take the time to install new batteries in all alarms.” 

In order to survive a fire, you need to be provided with an early warning and know what to do when the smoke alarms sound. Working smoke alarms are required on every storey of the home and outside all sleeping areas. For added protection, it is recommended to also install smoke alarms inside all bedrooms.  

Carbon monoxide alarms must be installed outside all sleeping areas if your home has a fuel-burning appliance, fireplace or attached garage.

Tampering with or removing the batteries from your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms is against the law. Failure to comply with the Fire Code can result in a ticket for $360 or a fine of up to $50,000.  

Develop a home fire escape plan with your family today! Draw a floor plan of your home and show two ways out of every room. Agree on a meeting place outside for all family members and never go back inside a burning building for any reason. Ensure that all members practice your home fire escape plan at least twice a year so that they know how to react.

Contact the Hamilton Fire Department – Fire Prevention Division at 905-546-2424 ext. 1380, weekdays between 8:30am and 4:30pm for more information on smoke and carbon monoxide alarms or visit our web-site at hamilton.ca/fire.