LETHBRIDGE, AB – It’s that time of year again – it’s spring ahead weekend.
That means before you go to bed Saturday night make sure you turn your clocks ahead one hour.
It’s also your bi-yearly reminder to check the batteries in your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors.
The Lethbridge Fire Department says this is always a great time to test those devices and make sure they’re not expired and in good working condition.
Cooking fires are very common. Lethbridge firefighters responded to over 500 cooking/smoke detector calls in 2020. Having a functional smoke detector with fresh batteries is critical in alerting people about a cooking fire.
The fire department also responds to calls about carbon monoxide detectors. Carbon monoxide (CO) is an odourless, colourless gas that can be poisonous and even cause death, earning it the nickname “the silent killer.” CO detectors should be installed in several locations so that they can be heard throughout the house. City of Lethbridge Fire & Emergency Services encourages residents to consider installing them outside of each sleeping area with at least one detector on each level of the house.
Smoke and C-O detectors should be replaced at least, every ten years.