Change your Clocks. Check your Batteries.

Clocks will spring forward one hour at 2:00 am on Sunday, March 8, 2026. LaSalle Fire Service is recommending residents check and install new batteries in their smoke and carbon monoxide alarms when they change their clocks this weekend.  

“In order for smoke and carbon monoxide alarms to do their job, they need to have working batteries,” explained Fire Chief Ed Thiessen. “Fire can spread rapidly leaving you as little as two minutes to escape safely once the smoke alarm sounds.” 

Be prepared before an emergency happens. Now is also a good time for families to create a Home Fire Escape Plan. Talk about all the ways to get out of the house in the event of a fire, agree on a meeting place outside and away from your home, and ensure everyone knows how to call for help, by dialing 9-1-1. 

It’s the law to have working smoke alarms on every storey of the home and outside all sleeping areas. For added protection, it is recommended to also install smoke alarms inside all bedrooms. 

Carbon monoxide alarms must be installed outside all sleeping areas if your home has a fuel-burning appliance, fireplace or attached garage. 

Tampering with or removing the batteries from your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms is against the law. Failure to comply with the Fire Code can result in a ticket for $360 or a fine of up to $50,000. 

Visit the LaSalle Fire Service website for more fire safety tips and information.