EDMONTON – As Daylight Saving Time comes to an end for another year, Edmonton fire officials say it’s a great time for residents to check that their smoke alarms are working properly.
Over the last decade, 56 per cent of fire fatalities have been due to either a faulty smoke alarm or the absence of a smoke alarm in the home, according to Edmonton Fire Rescue. In 76 per cent of fatal fires, dead or incorrectly installed batteries caused smoke alarm failures.
READ MORE: Checking smoke alarms, cleaning lint traps among fire safety tips
The Alberta Fire Code requires all homes in the province to have working smoke alarms. Smoke alarms should be placed on every storey and outside all sleeping areas.
Here are a few other tips, provided by Edmonton Fire Rescue:
- change alarm batteries when you turn clocks back for Daylight Saving Time
- install smoke alarms within 5 metres of each bedroom
- all alarms, battery operated and electrical, need to be replaced every 10 years
- test alarms each month (press and hold test button)
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