East Kootenay residents urged to test smoke alarms

The Regional District of East Kootenay (RDEK) is reminding residents to check their smoke alarms.

RDEK says new changes to the region, including municipalities, mean the region will stay on its current time year-round.

That means clock changes will no longer serve as a reminder to check alarm batteries.

Smoke alarms save lives, and residents are urged to:

1. Test every alarm using its test button.
2. Replace removable batteries as needed.
3. Check alarms are properly located, unblocked, unpainted and undamaged.
4. Replace expired or faulty alarms following the manufacturer’s instructions.

Residents are encouraged to pick a regular date to test their alarms.