Deux-Montagnes, March 10, 2021 – This Saturday night, March 13, we switch to daylight saving time.

The  Service de sécurité incendie intermunicipal Deux-Montagnes / Sainte-Marthe-sur-le-Lac  invites residents to take advantage of the time change to verify that their smoke detectors are working properly. Replacing batteries is a simple gesture that can really save lives.

How to check that a smoke detector is working?

It is possible to quickly check the functioning of the smoke detector by pressing the test button on the device for a few seconds: an alarm in good condition emits an audible signal immediately after the test button is triggered.

Also, in order to test the ability of the alarm to detect smoke, you can put out a candle near the device. If it is connected to a central, we must check with the company if it has received the signal.

To remember:

• If the alarm beeps intermittently, the battery is too low and should be replaced. Never install a rechargeable battery.
• Install one smoke detector per floor, including in the basement and, ideally, in each bedroom where you sleep with the door closed.
• Install smoke detectors in hallways near bedrooms, making sure there are no obstacles blocking the flow of smoke. Install them to the ceiling or walls, at a distance of 10 to 30 centimeters from the wall or ceiling.
• Before checking your alarm system, it is important to call your company to avoid false alarms and unnecessary presence of firefighters. After the test, check with the alarm company a second time to see if the test was successful.
• If the smoke detector is damaged, dusty, or if there is no sound signal after replacing the battery, replace it.
• Replace your smoke detector every 10 years. Rely on the date on the case. In the absence of indication, do not take any risk, replace it.
• If you are a tenant, your owner must provide you with a smoke detector. However, you are responsible for maintaining it and changing the battery as needed.

Thereby, this Saturday night, we change the time and we do not forget to change the batteries!