The Service de sécurité incendie de Saint-Lazare wishes to remind residents that smoke detector, with batteries or electrical, have a life span of 8 to 10 years depending on the model. Please consult the instruction manual for details. Some makers now include an expiration date on the detector.

The Service de sécurité incendie de Saint-Lazare reminds residents to verify that their smoke detectors are functional as we switch to daylight savings time on March 8 and to replace batteries if necessary.

How to check your smoke detector

·	Press the test button for several seconds. The alarm should be heard immediately.
·	Verify its ability to detect smoke by putting out a candle close to it. If the smoke detector is connected to an alarm central, make sure the company has received the signal.

Importants points :

·	If your smoke detector occasionally “chirps”, replace the battery at once. The “chirping” indicates that the battery is too weak and must be changed. Never use a rechargeable battery.
·	Install one smoke detector on each floor including the basement as well as in bedrooms where you keep the doors closed to sleep.
·	Install them in hallways, near bedrooms and make sure nothing could obstruct the flow of smoke to the detectors. Affix them to ceilings or on walls, at a distance of 10 to 30 cm (4 - 12 in) from the wall or the ceiling.
·	Replace your smoke detector every 10 years. Follow the instructions on the detector’s casing. If it is damaged, dusty or does not emit a signal after the battery’s been replaced, change it. Never exceed the suggested life span.
·	If you are a tenant, the building owner has to supply you with a smoke detector, but you are responsible for maintaining it and replacing the battery as needed.

New on the market!

·	Smoke detectors with lithium batteries. These detectors are just as reliable as units using alkaline batteries however their life span is over 10 years.
·	Smoke detector with a mute button. If this type of smoke detector sounds a false alarm, you can shut down the signal for a 10-minute period using the mute button.

Should you require further information on smoke detectors and your safety, please contact Fire Prevention Captain, Mr. Martin Tanguay from the Saint-Lazare Service de sécurité incendie at 450-424-1114.