Clallam County Fire District 3 volunteers from the Diamond Point and Gardiner area are offering assistance changing smoke detector batteries.

This free service is available to anyone who is not physically able to change their batteries, with an emphasis on elderly and low income residents, in owned or rented properties.

This service will be available in the Diamond Point, Gardiner and west Miller Peninsula communities this October.

Volunteers check the age of detectors (they should be replaced after 10 years), replace batteries as needed and test each detector.

Most detectors use either AA or 9 volt batteries, fire officials say; newer detectors have a permanent 10-year battery.

Residents are requested to provide fresh, quality batteries to be installed. Some batteries have been donated to ensure that the neediest families are provided for.

The American Red Cross has donated some smoke detectors that volunteers will install in homes that do not have detectors, with an emphasis on low income residences.

Fire District 3 (Sequim) officials note that 2 a.m. Sunday, Nov. 4, marks the end of Daylight Savings Time.

“This is a great time to check your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, flashlights and other battery powered emergency devices,” fire district officials noted in a press release this week.

Those who need assistance changing your batteries or have a qualified need for smoke detectors are encouraged to call 360-565-5515 (voice mail) and provide once’s name, address, telephone number and best time to call. A volunteer will call back for scheduling.

For more information, call Fire District 3’s Community Risk Reduction Division at 360-683-4242, x114.