Time to keep your home safe

Nov 5, 2022 | 8:00 AM

As B.C. switches to back to standard time on Sunday morning and we roll our clocks back one hour, Vernon Fire Rescue Services is reminding residents that it’s also time to check your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors for dead batteries and expiration dates.

“Remember, working smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors save lives,” Fire Chief David Lind said.

According to Health Canada, 300 people a year die from carbon monoxide poisoning in Canada, and another 2,000 are hospitalized due to exposure.

Carbon monoxide is lighter than air and can move freely throughout your home at any time of the year. However, the risk is greatest in winter months because most homes in Canada are heated by:

furnaces
wood stoves or wood pellets
water heaters or boilers
other appliances that run on burning fuels

First Degree Murder

Decision in 2022 murder trial to come down Monday

11h ago

"My name is Amanda, Call 911"

Police investigating mysterious call for help near Cherryville

May 30, 2026

580 Commonage Development

Special meeting on Monday to discuss controversial housing development

May 29, 2026

These devices can release carbon monoxide into your home if they are not installed or maintained correctly, or if they malfunction.

The National Fire Protection Association provides these safety reminders for your smoke alarms:

Install smoke alarms in every bedroom. They should also be outside each sleeping area and on every level of the home. Install alarms in the basement.
Large homes may need extra smoke alarms.
It is best to use interconnected smoke alarms. When one smoke alarm sounds, they all sound.
Test all smoke alarms at least once a month. Press the test button to be sure the alarm is working.
Current alarms on the market employ different types of technology including multi-sensing, which could include smoke and carbon monoxide combined.
A smoke alarm should be on the ceiling or high on a wall. Keep smoke alarms away from the kitchen to reduce false alarms. They should be at least 10 feet (3 meters) from the stove.
People who are hard-of-hearing or deaf can use special alarms. These alarms have strobe lights and bed shakers.
Replace smoke alarms when they are 10 years old.

For more information on smoke alarms and carbon monoxide safety, please visit www.nfpa.org

by Kevin Rothwell

View Comments