Reminder to check your alarms and prepare your home for winter

As clocks “fall back” this weekend, Lethbridge Fire and Emergency Services reminds residents to take the opportunity to check and maintain their smoke alarms and prepare their homes for the colder months ahead. 

Smoke alarm safety

Working smoke alarms save lives. They provide early warning and valuable seconds to escape in case of a fire. LFES encourages residents to:

1. Check the expiration date – smoke alarms should be replaced every 10 years.
2. Change the batteries – replace batteries at least once a year.
3. Test your alarms – press the test button monthly to confirm they’re working. 

When you set your clocks back, take a few extra minutes to make sure everyone in your home knows the sound of the smoke alarm and what to do if it goes off. Review your family’s fire escape plan, locate fire extinguishers and ensure everyone knows how to use them. 

For more information on smoke alarm safety, visit CanadaSafetyCouncil.org/smoke-alarms-save-lives 

Heating safety 

With colder weather arriving, now is also the time to:

• Have heating equipment and chimneys cleaned and inspected each year by a qualified professional.
• Ensure fuel-burning appliances are vented outdoors to prevent carbon monoxide (CO) buildup. CO is produced when fuels burn incompletely and can cause serious illness or death.
• Keep air intake and exhaust vents clear of snow, leaves and debris.
• Install and test CO alarms on every level of your home for early warning. 

Halloween safety 

With trick-or-treaters out on Friday evening, LFES also reminds families to keep safety in mind: 

• Choose costumes and decorations that are flame-resistant.
• Use battery-powered candles or glow sticks instead of open flames.
• Keep walkways well-lit and clear of tripping hazards.
• Remind children to look both ways before crossing streets and to stay on sidewalks. 

For more information on Halloween safety, visit NFPA.org/Halloween 

For Public Inquiries:
Call or chat 311 | Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.