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As people change their clocks back to Alaska Standard Time today, Central Emergency Services in Soldotna is reminding Alaskans to check the batteries in their smoke and carbon monoxide alarms as well.

"Our fire season is just about to kick up as wood stoves and fireplaces start to get lit," said Brad Nelson, deputy fire marshal at CES.

Nelson said, according to statistics from National Fire Protection Association, 96 percent of homes are equipped with smoke alarms, but more than 19 percent of them are not in working condition.

"And here, I'd say there wasn't a smoke detector or a working smoke detector in 65 percent of the homes we go to where there has been a fire with a fatality," Nelson said.

Nelson said the key to preventing tragedy is to take a few minutes to check, test and clean smoke and carbon monoxide alarms to make sure they are functioning properly. Also, homeowners should make sure that there are enough alarms to safely cover all areas.

"We recommend one in each sleeping area, one outside the sleeping area, and one on every level of the house," Nelson said. "So for a regular, two-story, three-bedroom home, you should have at least four."

For carbon monoxide monitors, the number of units is slightly less due to the nature of this gas.

"With the carbon monoxide monitors, it weighs the same as air," Nelson said. "It doesn't rise or fall, so you only need one on each level of the home."

The approximate lifespan of smoke and carbon monoxide alarms are 7 to 10 years, but they can loose sensitivity over time. So, in addition to changing batteries twice a year, Nelson recommended testing alarms once a month to ensure they are functioning properly.

"To keep it easy to remember, we recommend on the first of the month, people press the test button to check their alarms," he said. "If the alarm doesn't sound, replace the batteries. If this doesn't solve the problem, replace the unit."

Nelson said periodically cleaning smoke and carbon monoxide alarms using a vacuum attachment could also remove particles that could interfere with the alarm's proper operation, thus maintaining their effectiveness.

Nelson said even when changing batteries twice a year, people should be mindful that not all batteries are created equal.

"When a chirping sound is noted, this is a sign that the batteries are weak and should be replaced," he said, even if this occurs between normal battery changes. Also, lithium batteries have a longer lifespan than typical batteries; as such they may not need to be replaced as often.

"These alarms aren't something you think about often, but they can save your life," Nelson said.

For more information, contact Central Emergency Services at 262-4792.

Joseph Robertia can be reached at joseph.robertia@peninsulaclarion.com.