For Immediate Release

Carbon Monoxide Awareness Week is November 1-7 - it’s time to replace smoke and carbon monoxide alarm batteries

Saanich, BC – As residents adjust their clocks back an hour this weekend, the Saanich Fire Department also encourages residents to replace the batteries in their smoke and carbon monoxide alarms.

“Statistics show that the majority of deaths from fire are in situations where alarms are either not present or not working because batteries were dead, disconnected or missing,” says Saanich Fire Chief Michael Burgess. “Getting in the habit of replacing batteries and testing alarms twice a year is an important way to ensure safety.”

Tips to stay safe:

• Clean and test smoke and carbon monoxide alarms each year at Daylight Savings Time
• Set a reminder to change the batteries after 6 months
• Test battery powered smoke detectors every month
• Replace smoke alarms that are more than 10 years old

Did you know?

Homeowners are required to have a working, well maintained smoke alarm on each floor. Landlords are responsible for providing and maintaining smoke alarms, but tenants are responsible for ensuring alarms are connected and functioning.

Without working alarms, a smouldering fire may go undetected for hours and can release carbon monoxide, sulphur dioxide and hydrogen cyanide into the air as oxygen is consumed.

Need help?

Supporting the Fire Chiefs’ Association of British Columbia’s goal to ensure there is a working smoke alarm in every home, the Saanich Fire Department’s Fire Prevention members are available to assist Saanich residents who may have difficulty checking, installing or maintaining their smoke alarms. If you, or someone you know needs assistance, contact the Fire Prevention Division at 250-475-5500.

Learn more:

• Saanich’s Smoke Alarm Bylaw:
• Carbon Monoxide Safety

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Media contact:

 Lieutenant Inspector Sean Lillis
Fire Prevention Division
Saanich Fire Department
250-475-5500