New Daylight Saving Time, New Alarm Batteries

Batteries in smoke detectors should be replaced when adjusting clocks this weekend, March 10 and 11.

"When you change the time on your clock to reflect Daylight Saving Time, it should become a reminder to change your smoke alarms' batteries, too," said Robert Cormier, Nova Scotia's fire marshal.

Mr. Cormier recommends replacing standard nine-volt batteries once a year, when the time changes in the spring or fall.

This year, Canada is following the United States and going to Daylight Saving Time three weeks earlier.

"By changing smoke-alarm batteries when you change the time on your clock, you could be saving your life," said Mr. Cormier.

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

"Some people remove the battery to stop the chirping, while intending to replace the battery later," said Mr. Cormier. "That's risky; people sometimes forget."

New batteries should be installed in smoke alarms as soon as the old ones are removed.

The fire marshal's office recommends a smoke alarm on each level of a home, and outside sleeping areas. All alarms should meet requirements of a professional testing laboratory, such as Underwriters Laboratories of Canada.

Smoke alarms should be tested monthly and replaced every 10 years.