Montréal, 30 October 2015 - When you turn your clocks back to standard time on the night of October 31 to November 1, remember that it’s also time to check your smoke alarms and change the batteries.

On Saturday, prevention officers from the Service de sécurité incendie de Montréal (SIM), along with students from the Académie des pompiers and the Institut de protection contre les incendies du Québec, will be knocking on doors in several parts of the Montréal agglomeration to tell people about the importance of smoke alarms. In addition to inspecting and talking about alarms, they’ll be handing out batteries and smoke alarms to people who need them.

Last year, eight Montrealers lost their lives in six fires. There were working smoke alarms in two of the six cases, but none in three others, and it was impossible to determine in the sixth case. Be sure not to leave your home unprotected. Keep yourself and your family safe! 

A smoke alarm is required under by-law RCG – 12-003.

It’s a shared responsibility!

• Property owners: You must install smoke alarms on each floor of the building and replace them at least every 10 years after the manufacturing date.

• Tenants and homeowners: You must keep your smoke alarms in good working order, including replacing the battery as necessary.

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.