Smoke ALARMS
A smoke alarm is critical for the early detection of a fire in your home and could mean the difference between life and death. Fires can occur in a variety of ways and in any room of your home. But no matter where or how, having a smoke alarm is the first key step toward your family’s safety.
Smoke alarms that are properly installed and maintained play a vital role in reducing fire deaths and injuries. If there is a fire in your home, smoke spreads fast and you need smoke alarms to give you time to get out.
Smoke Alarm Safety Checklist
- Install smoke alarms on every level of your home, inside bedrooms, and outside sleeping areas.
- Test smoke and CO alarms every month by pressing their test buttons.
- Change batteries every year (unless the alarm has a sealed 10-year battery). A “chirping” sound means that it’s time to change batteries.
- Install CO Alarms on every level of your home.
- Replace smoke alarms every 10 years, and CO alarms every 7 years (or as recommended by the manufacturer).
For additional smoke alarm safety advice and resources, please visit the National Fire Protection Association website.