As Daylight Saving Time comes to an end on Sunday, November 1, United Way of Bruce Grey is reminding residents to take a few extra minutes to make sure their homes are safe.

When the clocks fall back one hour, it’s a perfect opportunity to check the smoke and carbon monoxide alarms in your home. These small devices play a critical role in protecting families, providing an early warning when every second counts.

A Simple Check Can Save Lives

Working smoke and carbon monoxide alarms are essential for home safety. As we head into November and temperatures begin to drop across Bruce and Grey counties, furnaces, fireplaces, and other heating equipment will see increased use.

Here are a few important safety reminders:

• Test your alarms: Press the test button on every smoke and carbon monoxide alarm to ensure it’s working properly.
• Check the batteries: Replace batteries when needed, following the manufacturer’s instructions. Never remove batteries or disable an alarm.
• Check expiration dates: Smoke alarms generally need replacing after 10 years, while carbon monoxide alarm lifespans vary by manufacturer.
• Know where alarms belong: Ontario requires working smoke alarms on every storey of a home and outside sleeping areas. Carbon monoxide alarms are required adjacent to sleeping areas in homes with fuel-burning appliances, fireplaces, or attached garages, with additional requirements applying under updated Ontario rules.
• Make an escape plan: Ensure everyone in your household knows how to get outside safely and where to meet in an emergency.

Carbon Monoxide: The Invisible Danger

Carbon monoxide (CO) is an odourless, colourless gas that can be deadly. It can be produced by malfunctioning furnaces, fireplaces, water heaters, and other fuel-burning appliances.

As colder weather arrives, it’s especially important to have heating equipment inspected and maintained by qualified professionals.

Never use outdoor grills, camp stoves, or generators inside your home or garage. If a carbon monoxide alarm sounds, move everyone outside into fresh air immediately and call 911. Do not re-enter until emergency responders say it is safe.

Safety Starts at Home, but Extends to Our Community

At United Way of Bruce Grey, we believe that strong communities are built when we look out for one another.

As you check your own alarms this weekend, consider reaching out to an older neighbour, family member, or someone living alone. A friendly reminder or an offer to help test an alarm can make a meaningful difference.

For individuals and families experiencing financial challenges, maintaining a safe and warm home can sometimes be difficult. 211 is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, connecting people with information about community services and available supports.

One Extra Hour, One Important Reminder

Turning back the clocks may give us an extra hour this weekend, but taking just a few minutes to check our alarms could help save a life.

This Safety Sunday, make home safety part of your time-change routine. Check your alarms, review your escape plan, and encourage someone else to do the same.

Because keeping our communities safe starts with looking out for each other.

For more information on fire and carbon monoxide safety, visit the Ontario Office of the Fire Marshal. For community services and support, call 211 or visit 211Ontario.ca.