WINNIPEG - March 9, 2012 - On Sunday, March 11, 2012 at 2:00 a.m., the clocks will 'spring ahead' one hour marking the beginning of daylight savings time. The Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service is encouraging citizens to take a moment to test their smoke alarms when adjusting their clocks for this weekend's time change.
According to recent statistics, people are four times more likely to die in a fire if their smoke alarms aren't working.
Everyone notices when a clock stops ticking, but when a smoke alarm is not functioning it's not as obvious. The battery could be dead or missing. The only way to ensure it's working is to test it.
As you move your clocks ahead this Sunday, think about fire safety. When getting a chair or stepladder to change yours, or a loved one's clock, take an extra moment to push the button on your smoke alarms too – it could save your life.
Help keep yourself and your loved ones safe in the home by following these simple steps:
- A working smoke alarm can buy you valuable time. Get Out, and Stay Out and call 911.
- Make sure you have one smoke alarm on every level of your home and test them monthly.
- Make testing your smoke alarms part of your household routine. Check the alarm by pressing the button monthly and change the battery twice a year corresponding with the time change.
- Make sure that everyone in your home knows what to do in the event of a fire and practice your escape route.
For more information on testing your smoke alarm, visit:
http://www.firecomm.gov.mb.ca/docs/smoke_alarm.pdf