By David Klassen
(Smoke detector image via Shutterstock)
Manitoba’s Office of the Fire Commissioner is encouraging all citizens to take part in a province-wide smoke alarm test on Sunday.
From 10 a.m. to 11 a.m, homeowners are asked to participate in the Great Canadian Smoke Alarm Test.
“The simple act of checking to ensure a smoke alarm is working can have a huge impact on preventing fire tragedies and that’s why the event is called Power Hour,” said David Schafer, Manitoba’s Fire Commissioner.
“It puts a new twist on the time-change weekend, and we want homeowners to ensure their smoke alarms are properly maintained with fresh batteries or replaced if they are past their 10-year lifespan.”
A complete four-step checklist can be downloaded from SafeAtHome.ca/powerhour and include the following steps:
• ensure a smoke alarm on every storey of the home including the basement, in each bedroom, and outside all sleeping areas;
• check all smoke alarm expiry dates and replace them if they are more than 10 years old or the expiry date cannot be identified;
• press the test button on each smoke alarm and make sure the alarm goes off; and
• for added protection, follow the same steps for carbon monoxide alarms.
