Nova Scotians Reminded to Change Batteries When Changing Clocks

Nova Scotians are reminded to change smoke alarm batteries when moving clocks one hour ahead.

Daylight Saving Time comes into effect at 2 a.m., Sunday, March 8. In 2007, Nova Scotia extended daylight saving time to mirror changes made in the United States. Daylight saving time now begins three weeks earlier in the spring and lasts one week longer in the fall.

A functioning smoke alarm is vital to provide occupants with early warning to safely escape a fire. Batteries should be replaced at least once a year, and the time change can be an excellent reminder.

"A couple of times this year we heard from families who escaped a house fire because of a working smoke alarm," said Robert Cormier, Nova Scotia's fire marshal. "Look after your family, be sure your smoke alarm is working."

When battery power is low, most smoke alarms make a brief chirping sound. Once the batteries have been replaced with new ones, press the Test button to confirm the alarm is working.

The fire marshal's office recommends having a smoke alarm on each level of a home, and outside sleeping areas. Smoke alarms should be tested monthly and replaced every 10 years. All alarms should meet the requirements of a professional testing laboratory, such as Underwriters Laboratories of Canada.

Computer users are also reminded to check calendars to ensure appointments are up to date when the time change takes effect.