Change Your Clock, Change Your Battery

Nova Scotians will change their clocks this weekend (April 3-4). Nova Scotia fire marshal Robert Cormier says that's a reminder to do something else, too.

"Change the battery in your smoke alarm when the time changes," says Mr. Cormier, "and you'll be sure it is protecting your family the way it should."

Smoke alarms need maintenance to be fully effective. They need to be kept clean, tested every month and the battery should be replaced twice a year.

The alarms are built to warn owners when the battery is low; the units emit a brief chirping sound. But Mr. Cormier says owners should not depend on that.

"Many people react to it by disconnecting the battery, with the good intention of picking one up later in the day," he explained. "The problem is that the battery then gets forgotten and the alarm offers no protection at all."

Changing the battery when the time changes will prevent most smoke alarms from chirping and will ensure a high level of protection.

The fire marshal's office recommends a smoke alarm on each level of multi-level homes, outside sleeping areas and inside bedrooms. Alarms should meet the requirements of a professional testing laboratory, such as Underwriters Laboratories.

"Working smoke alarms provide a critical early warning of fire," says Mr. Cormier. "That advance warning gives everyone more time to escape, but is especially important for seniors and children."