TORONTO, Oct. 25, 2002 – Most Canadians will be able to enjoy an extra hour of sleep this weekend, thanks to the annual time change. The clocks will be turned back one hour at 2:00 a.m. on Sunday, October 27, 2002, and the Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) is urging people to put safety first by checking the safety devices in their homes.
“When you climb the ladder to move your kitchen clock back this weekend, remember to check the batteries in your smoke alarm and carbon monoxide detector at the same time,” says Mary Lou O’Reilly, IBC’s Vice President of Public Affairs and Marketing.
“These devices can save lives, but only if they’re equipped with fresh batteries,” she says. “With a dead or missing battery, it’s worse than not having the devices at all because they tend to build a false sense of security. Linking a safety checklist to seasonal time change days ensures that – at least twice a year – Canadians make it a habit to think about protecting themselves.”
Last year, Canadians lost nearly $250 million worth of insured possessions through fires in their homes. Periodic safety checks could have prevented many of these losses.
“When you move your clocks back, it’s also a good time to make sure flashlights and fire extinguishers are working, and that everyone in your household is familiar with the escape routes,” Ms. O’Reilly says.
For more tips on how to reduce the threat of fire in your home, visit the Insurance Bureau of Canada’s Web site at www.ibc.ca.
The Insurance Bureau of Canada is the national trade association representing about 200 member companies that write more than 90 per cent of Canada’s private home, auto and business insurance. The bureau provides services in the areas of government liaison, legal and public affairs, and consumer education.
