National Smoke Alarm Day

The Canadian Association of Fire Chiefs has designated Saturday, Oct. 27 as National Smoke Alarm Day. Nova Scotians are reminded to change the batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide alarms when they set their clocks back to standard time this weekend.

The Fire Marshal's Office also reminds Nova Scotians that properly functioning smoke alarms can save lives.

"In most Canadian households, smoke alarms are powered by batteries," said Fire Marshal Robert Cormier. "To keep them functioning properly, it's important to remember to test your alarms and replace your batteries regularly."

Mr. Cormier also recommends that smoke alarms be changed every ten years or less.

Provincial law requires that each home be equipped with at least one smoke alarm. In Nova Scotia, the leading cause of fire deaths is cigarette-related accidents. The leading cause of fires is cooking equipment such as overheated fryers or unattended pots.

The Fire Marshal's Office encourages homeowners to install both photoelectric and ionization smoke alarms on every level of their home, especially near sleeping areas. Ion smoke alarms are generally more effective at detecting flaming fires. Photoelectric smoke alarms are generally quicker at detecting smoldering fires.