Change Clocks, Smoke Detector Batteries

This weekend is the time to turn back the clocks -- and to change the batteries in smoke detectors.

Nova Scotia Fire Marshal Robert Cormier recommends replacing batteries twice a year. By linking the job to the changing of the clocks in the spring and the fall, people are more likely to remember the task.

"Battery replacement is the easiest and most important maintenance to be done on a smoke detector," he said. "It's a small investment of time and money that could save your life."

When battery power is low, most smoke detectors emit a brief chirping sound.

"Sometimes people remove the battery to stop the chirping with the intention of replacing it later in the day," said Mr. Cormier. "It's a dangerous practice because it's easy to forget to install the new battery."

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

The fire marshal's office recommends a smoke detector on each level of multi-level homes. There should be detectors outside sleeping areas. All detectors should meet the requirements of a professional testing laboratory, such as Underwriters Laboratories.

Smoke detector operation should be checked once per month.