Spring Forward with Safety: Change Your Clocks, Change Your Batteries

A reminder from the Saint John Fire Department

As we welcome longer days and the fresh start of spring, it's the perfect time to refresh some important home safety habits. When you move your clocks ahead for daylight saving time this Sunday, March 8, 2026, take a moment to also replace the batteries in your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors.

A working alarm can be a lifesaving early-warning system. The most common reason alarms fail is simple: missing or dead batteries. Since many home fire fatalities occur overnight, functioning smoke and carbon monoxide alarms give you and your family the precious seconds needed to escape safely.

Spring Safety Tips for Your Home

Check your alarms

• Replace old batteries as needed.
• Test alarms after installing new batteries using the test button.
• The Saint John Fire Department recommends testing alarms monthly to ensure they're always ready.

Place alarms correctly

• Install smoke alarms in every bedroom and in hallways outside sleeping areas.
• Make sure there's a smoke alarm on every level of your home.
• If you heat with fuel oil, gas, or wood, carbon monoxide detectors should be installed on every level as well.

Know what to do when an alarm sounds

• If your carbon monoxide detector activates, immediately move outside or to a nearby open window or door.
• Ensure everyone in the home is accounted for, then call for help.
• Stay in your safe location until emergency personnel confirm it's safe to return.

Plan and practice your escape plan

• Spring is a great time to review your family's fire escape plan.
• Create at least two escape routes from every room.
• Practice with children so they recognize alarm sounds and know where to go during an emergency.
• Call 911 once you're safely outside.

Keep a fire extinguisher handy

• Make sure one is easily accessible in or near your kitchen.

For more information, visit www.saintjohn.ca or www.nfpa.org.