www.insideHALTON.com | OAKVILLE BEAVER | Friday, October 31, 2014 | 4 Change smoke alarm batteries as clocks fall back by Michael Gregory Oakville Beaver Staff The Oakville Fire Department is reminding local residents to replace the batteries in their smoke alarms as they turn the clocks back for Daylight Time Sunday (Nov. 2). According to the department, nearly half of all fire fatalities occur in homes without a working smoke alarm. "The majority of fire deaths happen at night when everyone is sleeping," said Oakville Fire Chief Lee Grant. "A working smoke alarm will give you precious time to Deen, Grade 4. Current curious and engaged student, future innovator. Hillfield Strathallan College is an independent day school for Montessori Toddler and Pre-Kindergarten to Grade 12. Join us for our Open House on Wednesday, November 5. Call 905-389-1367, or visit www.hsc.on.ca, for details. escape." The law in Ontario requires homes to have a working smoke alarm on every storey of a home, and outside each sleeping area. Failure to comply with smoke alarm requirements set out in the Fire Code could result in fines up to $50,000. Oakville Fire also encourages residents to install smoke alarms inside all bedrooms. "Working smoke alarms save lives," said Gary Laframboise, chief fire prevention officer with the Oakville Fire Department. "Regular replacement of alarm batteries is an essential part of every home fire safety plan." The most commonly cited cause of nonworking smoke alarms is worn or missing batteries, Oakville Fire said. Residents are being encouraged to spend time this weekend developing and practising a home fire escape plan that follows these steps: · Ensure all smoke alarms are installed correctly and in good working order. · Ensure all exits are unobstructed and easy to access. · Practice two ways out of each room, when available. · Identify who will be responsible for helping young children, older adults or others who will need assistance during an escape. · Choose an outdoor meeting place, such as a tree or a lamppost, where everyone can gather safely. In case of a fire in your home: · If there is smoke, get low and move under the smoke to the closest safe exit. · Call 9-1-1 from outside the home from a cellphone or neighbouring home. · Once out, stay out. Never re-enter a burning The clock in Towne Square in downtown Oakville. | Oakville Beaver file photo building. Wide selection of vanities to choose from located BetWeen ciBc & td BanK A fusion of JApAnese & Chinese Cuisine in the heArt of oAkville! GroUP of seven framed Prints Bedroom set clearance 50% off floor model ORDER THE AUGUST 8 "BIG BOAT" fOR yOUR HOliDAy PARTy! FIREPLACE & ENTERTAINMENT UNIT many sofa set styles to choose from chairs dininG set variety of Dine in for All You cAn eAt lunCh or Dinner www.August8.cA Wide selection of to choose from Burlington Mall 7 DAYs A week 4 Locations to serve you better! oAkville 280 north service road W. @ Dorval BurlinGton 834 Brant Street vanities now in two loCations to serve you better · 905-635-8779 | South oakville Centre Classique -Decor.com (formerly hopedale mall) · 905-847-2975 We Do tAkeout! hAMilton 1 Wilson Street stoneY Creek 835 Paramount Drive