Many are surprised to learn that the Change Your Clock, Change Your Battery!® campaign for carbon monoxide and smoke alarms is only a once-per-year event, officially taking place at the return to Standard Time each Fall.

What about Daylight Saving Time this Sunday, March 10, 2013?


Regardless of the season, firefighters perpetually emphasize:

• Test every carbon monoxide and smoke alarm in your home at least once each month.
• Change the batteries for these alarms at least once each year.

If you haven't tested your alarms within the past 4 weeks, test them now. If you haven't replaced the batteries within the past 12 months, do it today!

But wait, there's more...

Along with a reminder to test every smoke alarm and carbon monoxide detector in your home, there are three important facts you need to know:

• Your smoke alarms have a ten year maximum lifespan.
• The most effective smoke alarms use a combination of ionization and photoelectric technology.
• A free monthly message can be sent to your mobile phone or computer via Twitter, to remind you to test your @SmokeAlarm and @COalarm.

...and don't forget to set your clock ahead one hour this Sunday morning!

Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department