As residents prepare to adjust their clocks for Daylight Saving Time on March 8, Ajax Fire & Emergency Services is reminding households across the community to take a few extra minutes to check their smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) alarms.
Fire officials say the seasonal time change is a simple reminder for residents to test alarms and replace batteries if necessary to ensure these life-saving devices are working properly.
According to Ajax Fire, functioning smoke and carbon monoxide alarms are among the most effective ways to protect families from fires and dangerous gas exposure inside the home.
“Working smoke and carbon monoxide alarms are one of the simplest and most effective ways to protect your family,” said Kaitlyn Moss, Public Educator with Ajax Fire & Emergency Services.
“When you change your clocks, take just a few extra minutes to test every alarm in your home. That small step can make a life-saving difference.”
Fire officials encourage residents to follow several important steps when checking alarms during the time change.
Homeowners and tenants should test all smoke and carbon monoxide alarms in their homes to ensure they are functioning properly. If the alarms run on batteries, residents should replace the batteries if needed or if the low-battery warning sound is heard.
Residents should also check the age of their alarms. Smoke alarms should be replaced every 10 years, while carbon monoxide alarms should generally be replaced every five to seven years, depending on manufacturer guidelines.
Ajax Fire also reminds residents that smoke and carbon monoxide alarms must be installed outside sleeping areas and on every level of the home.
Recent changes to safety regulations have also strengthened carbon monoxide alarm requirements. As of January 2026, homes that contain fuel-burning appliances, fireplaces, or attached garages are legally required to have carbon monoxide alarms installed on every level of the home.
Fire officials stress that regular testing is essential. Residents are advised to test alarms at least once every month to ensure they continue to operate correctly.
In addition, authorities emphasize that alarms should never be ignored. If a smoke or carbon monoxide alarm sounds, residents should immediately leave the home and call 911.
Ajax Fire also noted that both landlords and tenants have responsibilities when it comes to alarm safety.
Building owners and landlords are responsible for ensuring smoke and carbon monoxide alarms are properly installed and maintained in rental properties. Tenants, meanwhile, should regularly test alarms and report any problems to their landlord if the alarms are not working.
Fire officials say that taking a few minutes during the time change to test alarms could help prevent tragedy.
Residents who want more information about fire safety and alarm maintenance can visit the Ajax Fire & Emergency Services webpage at ajax.ca/Fire.
