The time change always seems to serve as a reminder for residents to check their smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.

The life span of these detectors can be around 8-10 years but batteries should be checked frequently.

Ken Thevenot, Okotoks fire chief, says it's important residents know what type of detector they have.

"Are they just strictly battery operated, are they hard wired, and is there a battery back up in your hard wired smoke detector," he explains. "There's many different types of smoke detectors so take the time to learn what type you have and how is it powered so you can ensure it's in good proper working order."

Batteries in some detectors should be checked as often as once a month.

Thevenot says carbon monoxide detectors will start to go off when they sense 25- 35 ppm of CO.

"What that means is you can sustain that range for up to eight hours before you start to feel that you're getting some physical effects like a headache and so on, so as soon as you hear the indicator go off when the carbon monoxide detector activates that should give you enough time to leave the area or the residence."

He says those levels can spike quickly and the department should be contacted right away so they can make sure everything is ok.

Anyone who's uncertain about their smoke and carbon monoxide detectors is encouraged to contact the Okotoks Fire Department.

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