Change Clocks, Smoke Alarm Batteries

It's time to move clocks ahead and change the batteries in smoke alarms this weekend (April 2-3).

"Changing the batteries in your smoke alarms is cheap, easy, and could save your life," said Nova Scotia Fire Marshal Robert Cormier. "Doing it when you change the clocks is a good way to remember the task."

Mr. Cormier recommends replacing batteries twice a year, when the time changes in the spring and fall.

When battery power is low, most smoke alarms 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 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 and outside sleeping areas. All alarms should meet the requirements of a professional testing laboratory, such as Underwriters Laboratories.

Smoke alarm operation should be checked once per month.