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Switch to standard time is a perfect moment to check smoke alarms: Vernon Fire Rescue

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With British Columbia switching back to standard time this weekend, one Okanagan fire department says now is a perfect time for residents to inspect their smoke alarms.

The official, one-hour time changeover will occur on Sunday at 2 a.m., which will then become 1 a.m.

For clocks that aren’t self-adjusting, they’ll need to be corrected. And while doing that, Vernon Fire Rescue says residents should also check their smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors for dead batteries and expiration dates.

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“Remember, working smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors save lives,” said fire chief David Lind.

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In addition to inspecting those safety devices, the National Fire Protection Association says smoke alarms should be installed on every level of a home, including basements.

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“With proper preparedness, you can help keep your family safe from fire,” the association said.

“Two easy steps you can take are: Testing the smoke alarms in your house, and creating and practising a fire escape plan.”

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Below are some safety tips from the NFPA.

  • install smoke alarms in every bedroom
  • large homes may need extra smoke alarms
  • it’s best to use interconnected smoke alarms
  • when one smoke alarm sounds, they all sound
  • test all smoke alarms at least once a month.
  • press the test button to be sure the alarm is working
  • a smoke alarm should be on the ceiling or high on a wall
  • some alarms are multi-sensing (smoke and carbon monoxide combined)
  • keep smoke alarms away from the kitchen to reduce false alarms
  • they should be at least 10 feet (3 metres) from the stove
  • people who are hard of hearing or deaf can use special alarms
  • these alarms have strobe lights and bed shakers
  • replace smoke alarms when they are 10 years old

More information about fire safety is available on the NFPA’s website.

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