Time To Spring Ahead

San Andreas – Before going to bed tonight, everyone should turn the clock ahead one hour.

Daylight Saving time begins Sunday, March 9. Fire officials have also designated this as a good time to change the batteries in smoke detectors. However, this year Cal Fire says technology is changing the rules.

Cal Fire Spokesperson Lisa Williams notes, “The new smoke alarms that are coming out have 10-year long-life lithium batteries so they don’t have to be changed as often. However, smoke alarms should be replaced every ten years.”

Williams says it is crucial to stick to the old rule of checking smoke detectors in the spring and fall if you have a smoke alarm that uses alkaline batteries.

Here are Cal Fire’s tips for smoke detector maintenance:

Smoke alarms should be:

• Equipped with flashing lights, vibration and/or sound for anyone who is deaf or hard of hearing


• Installed in all sleeping rooms


• Installed in hallways that lead to sleeping areas


• Installed in basements


• Installed in each additional level of your home

To insure proper working order of your smoke alarm:

• Test on a monthly basis


• Vacuum once a year – dust and cobwebs can impair sensitivity


• Change alkaline batteries annually


• Replace smoke detector every 10 years

According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), two thirds of house fire deaths happen in homes with no smoke alarms or no working smoke detectors. Click here for more lifesaving tips.