Residents are encouraged to check their smoke and carbon monoxide alarms while chanigng their clocks on Mar. 8, 2026. (Image Credit: ID 46814512 © Ian Allenden | Dreamstime.com)

By David Opinko

Check your smoke & carbon monoxide alarms while changing clocks this weekend

Mar 6, 2026 | 11:23 AM

The biannual time change is upon us, and first responders say changing your clocks is not the only thing you should be doing.

At 2:00 a.m. on Sunday, Mar. 8, 2026, time will jump forward by one hour, meaning it will become 3:00 a.m.

Lethbridge Fire and Emergency Services (LFES) says the start of Daylight Saving Time is also a great opportunity to check your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms.

This incldues:

• Testing all smoke and carbon monoxide alarms using the test button.
• Replacing batteries annually or if the alarm chirps.
• Ensuring smoke alarms are installed on every level of the home, in every bedroom and outside sleeping areas.
• Replacing smoke alarms every 10 years and CO alarms according to the manufacturer’s instructions. 

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“Smoke alarms provide early warnings in the event of a fire. Carbon monoxide alarms detect dangerous levels of carbon monoxide, an invisible, odourless gas that can quickly become deadly,” reads a news release from LFES.

Families are also encouraged to make evacuation plans and ensure everyone who lives in the home practices it.

For more information about smoke alarms, visit: CanadaSafetyCouncil.org/smoke-alarms-save-lives/  

The practice of changing our clocks twice every year could potentially come to an end soon.

After B.C. Premier David Eby announced that this will be the province’s last time change, Alberta’s Danielle Smith said it raises questions about whether Alberta should do the same.

READ MORE: Alberta’s Smith looking to ditch clock changes as B.C. moves to permanent daylight