Change your time, change your batteries.. and more?

Daylight Saving Time just ended, with clocks moving back one hour at 2:00 a.m. this morning (Sunday, November 1, 2026).

When you're done adjusting the clocks, it's a good idea to take a few minutes to check your smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) alarms. It’s a simple seasonal habit that could make a life-saving difference.

Start with the batteries—but don’t stop there.

For alarms with replaceable batteries, change them at least once a year, or sooner if the manufacturer recommends it or the low-battery warning sounds. A regular battery change can be any time of the year, but a DST time change provides a convenient reminder. If your alarm has a sealed, long-life battery, follow the manufacturer’s instructions rather than trying to replace it. Test your alarms monthly, regardless of how they’re powered.

Check the age of the alarms themselves.

Fresh batteries won’t make an expired alarm new again. The Government of Canada’s web page on fire safety recommends replacing smoke alarms that are more than 10 years old. Check the manufacture date and replacement instructions on each unit. For CO alarms, follow the manufacturer’s expiry date—don’t assume every model has a 10-year lifespan. Replace any alarm that fails testing.

Make sure you have alarms where they’re required.

Ontario homes must have working smoke alarms on every storey and outside all sleeping areas.

For homes with a fuel-burning appliance, fireplace, or attached garage, working CO alarms are also required outside sleeping areas and, as of January 1, 2026, on every storey—including the basement and levels without bedrooms. The requirements also cover homes supplied with heated air from a fuel-burning appliance outside the home. Fuel-burning equipment includes more than natural gas: propane, oil, and wood can also create a CO risk.

If you’re unsure about placement, replacement, or the requirements for your particular property, contact your local fire department.

An extra hour is a nice bonus. Spending a few minutes checking your alarms is a good use of it.

For more information from the Ontario Association of Fire Chiefs:

Smoke alarms: https://www.oafc.on.ca/public-safety/smoke-alarms

CO alarms: https://www.oafc.on.ca/public-safety/fire-and-carbon-monoxide-hazards/carbon-monoxide-co