As Daylight Saving Time ends on Sunday, November 2nd Pelham Fire Services is reminding everyone to please change and test the batteries in your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors. The message is simple and the habit can be lifesaving.
“Eighty percent of child fire fatalities occur in homes without working smoke alarms. It’s a tragic statistic that could be reduced by adopting the simple habit of ‘Change Your Clock, Change Your Battery’,” said Pelham Fire Chief Bob Lymburner.
According to the Ontario Fire Marshal, 41% of smoke alarms which failed to operate in fatal fires had missing, disconnected or dead batteries. Changing smoke alarm and carbon monoxide batteries at least once a year, testing those alarms and reminding others to do the same are some of the simplest, most effective ways to reduce these tragic deaths and injuries.
“The peak time for home fire fatalities is between 11 p.m. and 7 a.m. when most families are sleeping,” said Pelham Fire Prevention Officer Saskia Holditch. “Smoke alarm maintenance is a simple, effective way to reduce home fire deaths. Children and senior citizens are most at risk, and a working smoke alarm can give them the extra seconds they need to get out safely.”
For additional information, please contact:
Saskia Holditch, Pelham Fire Prevention Officer
(905) 892-2607 ext. 202
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