Port Coquitlam Fire and Emergency Services personnel are reminding homeowners to check their smoke detectors when they set their clocks back for daylight savings time this weekend.
Working smoke detectors increase the chance of surviving a house fire by 50% and the daylight savings time changes each fall and spring are a good reminder to inspect, clean and change the batteries on the devices.
According to 2009 statistics, dead batteries in smoke alarms were found in 56 house fires in B.C. that caused 11 injuries and more than $2.3 million in property damage.
At another 1,366 house fires the residents had no smoke alarms at all. This contributed to the deaths of four people, 58 injuries and more than $66 million in property damage.
Smoke alarms should be installed outside each sleeping area and on every level of the home.
In order to maintain a smoke alarm residents should:
Follow the manufacturer's instructions for maintenance;
Test all smoke alarms each week by pressing the test button until the alarm sounds;
Change the batteries twice a year (at each daylight savings time);
Vacuum the inside using the soft-brush attachment to remove dust from the sensors;
For more information about smoke alarms go to www.portcoquitlam.ca/fire or contact the Port Coquitlam Fire and Emergency Services department at [email protected] or 604-927-5466.
