Montréal, 28 October 2014 - When you turn your clocks back to standard time on the night of November 1 to 2, the Service de sécurité incendie de Montréal (SIM) urges you to check your smoke alarm, too.

The SIM is continuing to raise awareness among Montréal agglomeration residents, in part by encouraging them to inspect their smoke alarms. In 2013, SIM prevention officers and firefighters knocked on over 216,000 doors and checked nearly 72,000 smoke alarms.

This Saturday, close to 30 prevention officers, accompanied by student firefighters will be inspecting smoke alarms in a number of boroughs and reconstituted cities of the Montréal agglomeration.

Every year, the SIM regrets the loss of many lives in fires because smoke alarms are missing or not working. When you change your clocks, take a moment to check your smoke alarm and replace or install the battery. It’s a simple job that can save lives.

Smoke alarms aren’t optional, they’re mandatory!

Under the By-law concerning the Service de sécurité incendie de Montréal, property owners must install smoke alarms on each floor of the building and replace them at least every 10 years. Maintenance of the device, including replacement of the battery, is the tenant’s responsibility. Lastly, in apartment buildings and condos, owners must keep a register of the annual verification of smoke alarms, similar to records of verification of the fire alarm system.

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