Port Coquitlam Fire and Emergency Services is reminding residents to check their smoke alarms when they set their clocks back this weekend.
Taking a few minutes every six months to maintain a smoke alarm can save lives and homeowners are encouraged to change the batteries, test and clean their devices every time the clocks change.
A fatality is 74% higher when a working smoke alarm is not present during a fire emergency, according to a study of almost 50,000 fires in B.C., Alberta and Ontario between 2006 and 2011. Fire damage is also reduced by about 19% in cases where a smoke alarm is present.
The study also found, however, that a quarter of all smoke alarms at fire locations do not function properly.
Homeowners are asked to follow the manufacturers instructions for maintenance procedures and smoke alarms should be tested each week by pushing the test button.
Batteries should be chanced twice a year and the device can be cleaned by gently vacuuming the inside using the soft-brush attachment to remove dust from the sensors.
Alarms should be replaced every ten years and installed outside each sleeping area on every level of the home.
For more information about smoke alarms visit www.portcoquitlam.ca/fire or contact the Port Coquitlam Fire and Emergency Services department at [email protected] or 604-927-5466.
