Check your alarms when you change the clocks for daylight saving time

Clock on coffee maker
When you change your clocks for daylight saving time, you should also check your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms.

When you change your clocks for daylight saving time, you should also check your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms.

The stove, the coffee maker, and the clock on the wall: daylight saving time reminds you of all the places you can find the time in your home.

We move the clocks forward for the start of daylight saving time at 2 a.m. on the second Sunday in March and set them back when it ends at 2 a.m. on the first Sunday in November.

Our first responders hope you’ll use changing all the clocks as a reminder to check a few other things in your home to keep everyone safe.

Test your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms

You should replace your alarm if it's past the expiry date, even if it still works.
A working carbon monoxide alarm is often the only way to detect the deadly gas in your home.

You’ll want to test your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms by pressing and holding the button until the alarm sounds. If the alarm doesn’t sound, replace the batteries. If the alarm still doesn’t sound, replace the unit.

Alarms with non-replaceable 10-year batteries are designed to be effective for up to 10 years. Alarms with any other type of battery need new batteries at least once per year.

Your alarm will chirp to warn you its battery is low. When that happens, replace the battery right away if possible. If not, replace the entire smoke alarm.

You should also replace your alarm if it is past the expiry date, even if it still works. Consider replacing it with an alarm able to detect both smoke and carbon monoxide and ensure they’re installed properly.

It’s important to have working smoke and carbon monoxide alarms in your home. A working CO alarm is the only way to detect the deadly gas in your home. Smoke alarms can buy you extra minutes to safely get out of your home in the event of a fire.

Check your AED

The time change is also a good time to check your Automatic External Defibrillators (AEDs) if you have them. AED batteries and contact pads have a shelf life and also require regular maintenance as outlined in the manufacturer’s instructions.

Emergency and safety

Homeowner, renter and business information

Was this information helpful?

How can we make this web page better?

Information collected will be used to improve our website. Do not use this form to submit a request for service or information because it will not be forwarded to departments for response. To submit a request for service or information, contact 311.

This form is not intended to collect personal information; however, any personal information you choose to include in your comments is collected by the City of Winnipeg under the authority of section 36(1)(b) of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act for the purpose of improving our website and will not be used or disclosed for any other purposes, except as authorized by law. Contact the Corporate Access and Privacy Officer by mail (City Clerk’s Department, Susan A. Thompson Building, 510 Main Street, Winnipeg MB, R3B 1B9) or by telephone (311) if you have any questions about the collection of this information.