We lose an hour of sleep this weekend as clocks spring forward — but fire officials say it’s also an important reminder not to lose sight of safety at home.
The Norfolk County Fire Department is once again using the time change as an opportunity to remind residents to check their smoke and carbon monoxide alarms.
That was Fire Prevention Officer Cory Armstrong-Smith, who says the seasonal clock change is the perfect time to make sure alarms are working properly.
Along with testing alarms, he says it’s just as important to check the expiration date on the units themselves — not just the batteries inside them.
While it may be easy to swap out old double- or triple-A batteries, Armstrong-Smith says that won’t help if the alarm unit itself has reached the end of its lifespan.
Residents are also encouraged to make sure alarms are installed in the correct locations throughout their homes and that they have the proper number of devices.
That reminder is especially important following updates that came into effect at the start of the year, which strengthened requirements around smoke and carbon monoxide alarms in residential buildings.
Looking ahead, Armstrong-Smith says the shift in seasons also means people will soon be spending more time outdoors — and safety should remain top of mind there as well.
With double-digit temperatures beginning to appear in the forecast, many residents will soon be returning to springtime routines such as yard work, cleaning up outdoor spaces, and preparing equipment for the warmer months.
Before that begins, Armstrong-Smith says it’s a good idea to take a few minutes to check around the property and make sure everything is ready for the season ahead.
Written by Matt LeBlanc