Sarnia Fire Rescue is issuing an important safety reminder as we prepare to set our clocks ahead one hour this weekend.
The clocks spring ahead at 2 a.m. Sunday.
The department uses the switch to Daylight Saving Time to tell everyone about the need to have working smoke alarms.
Sarnia Fire Rescue Public Education Officer Mike Otis, said when you change your clocks, change the batteries in your alarms.
"It's just a good reminder at this time of the year," said Otis. "Unfortunately, most of the negative outcomes from fires is when people don't have working alarms. You really need that early detection to make sure you can make it out safely. Always make sure you have a home escape plan for your family as well. You want at least two ways out, and a safe meeting place outside to call 9-1-1."
It's the law for all Ontario homes, cottages, cabins and seasonal homes to have working smoke alarms on every storey and outside all sleeping areas.
Homes that contain a fuel-burning appliance or attached garage are also required to have working carbon monoxide alarms adjacent to all sleeping areas.
Fines for tampering with or removing smoke alarm batteries can be as high as $50,000.
Ontario's 133 fire-related deaths in 2022 were the highest in more than 20 years.
The province passed Bill 214, known as the Time Amendment Act, in 2020.
The bill would make daylight saving time the standard time year-round, but would only come into effect if New York and Quebec also make the switch.
