Turn back the clock and check your smoke alarms this weekend

Oct 30, 2020 | 9:41 AM Pete McIntyre

Vernon Fire Rescue is reminding residents to make their annual check on the batteries in their smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors.

Fire chief David Lind says it should be part of the routine of switching clocks back to standard time which happens this Sunday at 2 a.m.

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

The National Fire Protection Association recommends having a smoke alarm in every bedroom, outside each sleeping area, and on every level of the home.

They should be at least 10 feet, or 3 meters, from the stove.

Here are the safety reminders:

Install smoke alarms in every bedroom. They should also be outside each sleeping area and on every level of the home. Install alarms in the basement.
Large homes may need extra smoke alarms.
It is 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.
Current alarms on the market employ different types of technology including multi-sensing, which could include smoke and carbon monoxide combined.
A smoke alarm should be on the ceiling or high on a wall. Keep smoke alarms away from the kitchen to reduce false alarms. They should be at least 10 feet (3 meters) 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.
For more information on smoke alarms and carbon monoxide safety, please visit www.nfpa.org

This is the weekend most of the country reverts to standard time, giving us an extra hour of sleep on Saturday night.

Some health experts think the time change could compound the disorientation many people already feel because of COVID-19 restrictions.

Yukon moved to permanent daylight time in March, and governments in B.C., Alberta and Ontario are considering doing away with the twice-yearly time change.