Ensuring you have working smoke alarms in your home is the single most important step you can take to increase your family's safety from a home fire.

Be sure to replace any smoke alarm that is 10 years old or older

 

1- Push the test button to be sure the battery is working 

2- When replacing batteries, follow the manufacturer's instructions for the correct battery type to use 

3- Always retest alarms after installing new batteries 

4- Replace any alarm that fails to operate after installing a new battery

5- Inspect your alarms to determine if they are 10 years old or older, and replace any smoke alarm 10 years or older. Look for a date on the back of the alarm. If there is not date, your alarm is more than 10 years old and should be replaced

6- Follow the manufacture's instructions for regularly cleaning your alarms of dust and cobwebs

 

* Install smoke alarms on every level of your home, in each bedroom, and outside each sleeping area (hallway) 

* Use the smoke alarm's hush feature to silence nuisance alarms

* Make a home fire escape plan and practice it with family members

* Practice your home escape plan at least two times a year at different times of the day/night

* Children, older adults, and people with disabilities may need assistance to wake up and get out. Ensure that someone will help them