FREDERICTON (GNB) – As New Brunswickers move their clocks back one hour this weekend, they are also reminded to test their smoke and carbon monoxide alarms and replace the batteries if necessary. Daylight saving time ends at 2 a.m. on Sunday, Nov. 3.

“Properly functioning smoke alarms are the best tools to help escape a fire,” said Public Safety Minister Carl Urquhart. “While changing your clocks, take the time to ensure your alarms work and to install new batteries. It is also a good time to test your carbon monoxide alarm to ensure it is working properly.”

The Office of the Fire Marshal urges New Brunswickers to follow these steps to ensure their home is protected:

  • have a smoke alarm installed on each floor including the basement, outside all sleeping areas and inside bedrooms;
  • check all smoke alarm expiry dates and if a smoke alarm is more than 10 years old, or the year it was made cannot be identified, replace the alarm;
  • press the test button on each smoke alarm and if it sounds, it confirms power is present and circuits are operating; and
  • follow the same steps for carbon monoxide alarms.

“The majority of fire fatalities happen at night, while people are sleeping,” said provincial fire marshal Michael Lewis. “Properly installed and maintained alarms can prevent fatalities by providing an early warning and allowing you to escape quickly and safely.”

01-11-19