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Published: October 31, 2009
Q. I am accustomed to changing the batteries in my smoke detectors when I change the clocks, but I am now in a new house where the smoke detectors are wired into the electric system. Is it necessary to change the back-up batteries as often? -- J.D.
A. Replacing smoke-detector batteries when you adjust your clocks for daylight saving time is good practice -- no matter what kind of system you have.
Robert Owen, Winston-Salem's fire marshal, recommends that you replace back-up batteries in a wired-in smoke detector just as frequently and on the same schedule that you would replace batteries in a battery-powered smoke detector.
With the variety of smoke detectors available today, sticking to the same routine minimizes confusion, he said.
The back-up battery's function is to provide a working smoke detector when the power is off, such as during an ice storm. Without a working back-up battery, when you have no electricity, you have no alarm.
A spontaneous "chirp" from a detector signals a low battery, so you should replace it immediately.
The National Fire Protection Association suggests testing smoke detectors at least once a month by pushing the test button.
Remember to set your clocks back an hour -- and change the smoke-detector batteries -- before you go to bed tonight or first thing in the morning. Daylight saving time will end at 2 a.m. Sunday.
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