Montréal, 04 November 2016 - On the night of November 5th to November 6th, it's time to move your clock back to standard time. The SIM would like to remind you that a working smoke alarm is required in your home.

The SIM is continuing to raise awareness among Montréal agglomeration residents, in part by encouraging them to inspect their smoke detectors. This Saturday November 5th, more than 17 prevention officers, accompanied by some 68 students from the Académie des pompiers, Institut de protection contre les incendies du Québec (IPIQ) and Cégep Montmorency, will be inspecting smoke detectors in a number of boroughs (Anjou, L'Île-Bizard–Sainte-Geneviève, Mercier–Hochelaga-Maisonneuve, Saint-Laurent, Saint-Léonard, Verdun, Ville-Marie) and reconstituted cities of the Montréal agglomeration (Côte Saint-Luc and Mont-Royal).

Every year, the SIM regrets the loss of many lives in fires because smoke detectors are missing or not working.

How to check your smoke detector:

• Press the test button for a few seconds. An audible signal must be heard immediately. Otherwise, change the battery.
• Verify its capacity to detect smoke by exposing it to smoke produced by a candle that has been put out, placed at a reasonable distance.

Important notices :

• Replace the battery when the detector issues an intermittent audible signal. Use the type of battery that is recommended by the manufacturer. Never use a rechargeable battery.
• Replace it 10 years after the manufacturing date indicated on the housing.
• Owners must install, in each apartment, a smoke detector that operates per floor, as well as detectors in the corridors and staircases. The tenant is responsible for the maintenance of the smoke detector and its battery.
  • Make sure that there are no obstructions in the possible trajectory of the smoke to the detector.
  • Install a smoke detector on each floor, including the basement. Install one in the corridor, near the bedrooms.

Learn more about smoke alarms and find more fire-prevention tips on the SIM website. You can also find full details of the fire safety legislation.