Daylight Savings Time Safety Tips

Posted On Saturday March 09, 2019

Daylight Saving Time begins every year on the second Sunday in March. In 2019, DST begins Sunday, March 10th. It is a good time to review your Spring safety checklist:

Smoke alarms

  • Clean and test your smoke alarms every month and replace the battery at least once a year. 
  • All battery-operated smoke alarms emit a warning sound, usually an intermittent “chirp”, when the battery power is low. When you hear this sound, it’s time to replace the battery.
  • Dust can affect your smoke alarms. Battery-powered smoke alarms should be cleaned by opening the cover of the alarm and gently vacuuming the inside with a soft bristle brush. For electrically-connected smoke alarms, first shut off the power to the unit, and then gently vacuum the outside vents of the alarm only. Turn the power back on and test the alarm.
  • All smoke alarms wear out. Replace smoke alarms according to manufacturers’ recommendations. Check your alarm for an expiry date.
  • Every home in Ontario must have a working smoke alarm on every storey and outside all sleeping areas.

CO Detectors

  • The safety tips for CO detectors mirror those of smoke alarms: change the batteries, test them and interconnect them, if possible. Also, make sure vents for your gas appliances (fireplace, dryer, stove and furnace) are free and clear of snow or debris.
  • Every home in Ontario must have a working CO detector adjacent to sleeping areas, which is CSA-approved.

Review your family's emergency plan

  • Ensure that you have a family emergency plan that works and review it with family members to explain what to do and where to go in case of an emergency.

Update your emergency kit

  • Check your first-aid kit and replace missing supplies.

Expired medicine

  • Take unwanted or expired medicines to a prescription drop box or take-back event near you.

Check your car

  • Make sure the tire pressure and fluid levels are good and make sure all lights and signals are working.

If you have questions, your agent or broker would be happy to answer.

Sources: Insurance Bureau of Canada ; National Safety Council