Smoke alarms can save your life—but only if they’re working. Most fire deaths happen in homes without working smoke alarms.
Install
Put a smoke alarm on every level of your home, including the basement. Make sure there's one near every bedroom or sleeping area. Smoke alarms are made to wake you up if there’s a fire while you’re sleeping.
For help, check out the video “Smart Choices for Smoke Alarm Placement.”
Test Your Alarm
Press the test button once a month to make sure your alarm is working.
Change Your Battery
If your alarm starts chirping, the battery is low. Change it right away.
Most smoke alarms made after 2014 have built-in batteries that last 10 years, but you should still test them monthly.
False Alarms
Don’t take out the battery. Use the “hush” button if the alarm goes off by mistake.
If there’s no hush button, gently fan the air near the alarm with a towel or magazine.
Replace
Smoke alarms should be replaced every 10 years, even if they still seem to work.
Not sure how old yours is? If it’s 10 years or older, it’s time for a new one.
