Clocks will spring forward one hour at 2am on March 10, and Windsor Fire & Rescue Services is recommending residents install new batteries in their smoke and carbon monoxide alarms when they change their clocks. 

“In order for smoke and carbon monoxide alarms to do their job, they need to have working batteries,” explained Fire Chief Stephen Laforet. “Once a year, old batteries should be replaced with new batteries. When you change your clocks on March 10, Windsor Fire & Rescue Services wants everyone to take the time to install new batteries in all alarms.”

In order to survive a fire, you need to be provided with an early warning and know what to do when the smoke alarms sound. Working smoke alarms are required on every storey of the home and outside all sleeping areas. For added protection, it is recommended to also install smoke alarms inside all bedrooms.  

Carbon monoxide alarms must be installed outside all sleeping areas if your home has a fuel-burning appliance, fireplace or attached garage.

Tampering with or removing the batteries from your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms is against the law. Failure to comply with the Fire Code can result in a ticket for $360 or a fine of up to $50,000.

Learn more about fire prevention at www.windsorfire.com.   

Kids can look forward to the Beach-themed day camp running throughout March Break. Participants can register for the whole week ($145) or by the day ($34). Camps run daily from 7:30am-6pm. Financial assistance for families who qualify. Call 519-776-8992 or visit www.essexconnect.ca for details. 

•  Join SX Communications and Xplornet for FREE family skates at the Essex Centre Sports Complex from 2:00 to 3:30pm on Monday, March 13 and Wednesday, March 14, as well as 3:30 to 5:00pm on Friday, March 15.

•  Enjoy the regular line up of paid skate and shinny times throughout the week in Essex and Harrow Centres. Plus, dive into the pool at the Essex Recreation Complex with a full slate of recreational swims, lengths, and aquafit.

• Celebrate the sweet taste of spring at the John R. Park Homestead’s Maple March Break, happening Tuesday, March 12 and Friday, March 15 starting at 1:30pm. Or, take in the evening Maple Moon program at 7:00pm on Tuesday, March 12, pre-registration required. Full details online at essexregionconservation.ca

Windsor Symphony Orchestra Guild members (WSOG) will put on one of its yearly fund raisers, a "Symphony of Fashion", our yearly fashion show which will be held on Tuesday, April 9, 6:00 p.m. at the Ciociaro Club, 3745 N. Talbot Rd. WSOG does fundraising in numerous and varied ways to support Windsor Symphony's involvement in the education of our children, students, and adults and to assist in the Community Outreach Programs as far away as Chatham. Last year the WSOG members contributed $35,000 in support of these programs. Cost for this Dinner and Show is $65 each or a table of 10 $600. Doors open at 6:00 p.m. Tickets are available at symphonyoffashion@gmail.com or call Guild members, Michelle, 519-965-4981 or Jackie, 519-979-7529. ALL PROCEEDS TO SUPPORT THE WINDSOR SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA.