Time to change clocks, replace alarm batteries

FREDERICTON, N.B. – As New Brunswickers prepare to set their clocks ahead an hour for the start of daylight time on Sunday, March 11, they are reminded to test their smoke and carbon monoxide alarms and replace the batteries.

“A frequently maintained smoke and carbon monoxide alarm is a family’s first line of defence in a fire,” said Justice and Public Safety Minister Denis Landry. “They are the best tool to prevent a fire-related tragedy. When changing your clocks this weekend, remember to keep your family safe and change your alarm batteries as well.”

The Office of the Fire Marshal urges New Brunswickers to follow these steps to ensure their home is protected:

–Install smoke alarms in every bedroom and on every level of your home, including the basement.

– Check all smoke alarm expiry dates and, if a smoke alarm is more than 10 years old, or the year it was made cannot be identified, replace the alarm.

– Press the test button on each smoke alarm and if it sounds, it confirms power is present and circuits are operating.

– Follow the same steps for carbon monoxide alarms.

In addition, to ensure your family is prepared in the event of a fire, make sure everyone knows two ways out of your home and practice an escape plan with everyone in your household. Determine who is responsible for young children, older adults or anyone else that may require assistance. In the event of a fire, call the fire department from outside the home, on a cellphone or from a neighbour's house.

“When every second counts, smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors considerably increase a family’s chances of getting their loved ones to safety,” said Provincial Fire Marshal Douglas Browne. “By testing your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors regularly and replacing their batteries, you are making sure that these devices are always ready to alert your family to danger when it matters most.”