Ontario Daylight Savings Time Alert: Time to Change Clocks and Smoke Alarm Batteries March 10, 2013

Ontario’s Time Change in the Spring

On the second Sunday in March, March 10, 2013, daylight saving time begins and the clocks “spring forward” one hour in Ontario, Canada:

  • This happens at 2 am
  • You should change your clocks by moving the time one hour ahead before going to bed on Saturday evening
Fire Marshall's Public Fire Safety Council in Ontario, Canada
Fire Marshall’s Public Fire Safety Council in Ontario, Canada

The following video presents “Changing The Battery in Your Smoke Alarm”:

  • This video describes how to change the battery in your smoke alarm
  • It is recommended that you change the battery in your smoke alarm once a year
  • For more information, please contact your local fire department

Furthermore, Toronto Fire Services reminds residents that it’s also time to replace the batteries in your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms if you have them:

  • Tips:
  • When installing a smoke alarm, read the manufacturer’s instructions on correct placement, testing and maintenance

  • Test your smoke alarms every month using the test button

  • Replace smoke alarm batteries at least once a year and whenever the low-battery warning chirps

  • Replace smoke alarms if they are 10 years and older

  • Avoid removing the battery as a response to the activation of a smoke alarm from cooking or steam

    • Instead of removing the battery, move the smoke detector or purchase a smoke detector with a hush-button feature that will temporarily silence the alarm

  • Please note that failure to comply with the Ontario Fire Code smoke alarm requirements could, upon conviction, result in a maximum fine of up to $50,000 for individuals, imprisonment, or both, and up to $100,000 for corporations, imprisonment, or both:
    • It is the responsibility of homeowners to install and maintain their smoke alarms

    • It is the responsibility of landlords to ensure that their rental properties comply with the law

    • Tenants whose rented properties do not have the required number of smoke alarms should contact their landlord immediately

    • It is against the law for tenants of rented properties to remove smoke alarm batteries or to tamper with their alarms in any way

The following video presents “Carbon Monoxide Detector Battery Back-Up”:

  • This video describes the importance of having a battery in your plug-in type carbon monoxide detector in case the power goes out
  • For more information, please contact your local fire department

City of Toronto Contact Info

Phone within Toronto city limits: 311

Phone outside city limits: 416-392-CITY (2489)
(can be used within Toronto if you can’t reach 311)

TTY customers: 416-338-0TTY (0889)
Fax: 416-338-0685
E-mail: 311@toronto.ca

If your matter is urgent, please call them. They are open 24/7.

Always call 911 for emergencies.

Toronto, Ontario, Canada

NEWS RELEASE

March 8, 2013

Time to change clocks – and smoke alarm batteries – this weekend

Daylight savings time starts this weekend, when we need to turn our clocks ahead one hour. Toronto Fire Services reminds residents that it’s also time to replace the batteries in your smoke alarms – and carbon monoxide alarms if you have them.

Every home in Ontario must have a working smoke alarm on every level and outside all sleeping areas. By providing early warning and critical extra seconds for escape, working smoke alarms can cut in half your family’s chance of dying in a fire.

“By installing and maintaining a working smoke alarm on every level of your home, you are ensuring that your family is equipped with the best defence against the devastating effects of fire,” says Toronto Fire Chief Jim Sales.

Tips:
• When installing a smoke alarm, read the manufacturer’s instructions on correct placement, testing and maintenance.
• Test your smoke alarms every month using the test button.
• Replace smoke alarm batteries at least once a year and whenever the low-battery warning chirps.
• Replace smoke alarms if they are 10 years and older.
• Avoid removing the battery as a response to the activation of a smoke alarm from cooking or steam. Instead of removing the battery, move the smoke detector or purchase a smoke detector with a hush-button feature that will temporarily silence the alarm.

It is the responsibility of homeowners to install and maintain their smoke alarms. It is the responsibility of landlords to ensure that their rental properties comply with the law. Tenants whose rented properties do not have the required number of smoke alarms should contact their landlord immediately. It is against the law for tenants to remove smoke alarm batteries or to tamper with their alarms in any way.

Failure to comply with the Ontario Fire Code smoke alarm requirements could, upon conviction, result in a maximum fine of up to $50,000 for individuals, imprisonment, or both, and up to $100,000 for corporations, imprisonment, or both.

More information is available at http://www.toronto.ca/fire/prevention

Toronto is Canada’s largest city and sixth largest government, and home to a diverse population of about 2.8 million people. Toronto’s government is dedicated to delivering customer service excellence, creating a transparent and accountable government, reducing the size and cost of government and building a transportation city. For information on non-emergency City services and programs, Toronto residents, businesses and visitors can dial 311, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

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