The time changes twice a year, that's a good time to remember to check your smoke alarms and change the batteries.
According to the National Fire Protection Association, almost two-thirds of home fire deaths result from fires in properties without working smoke alarms. A working smoke alarm significantly increases your chances of surviving a home fire.
To protect your home, follow these smoke alarm safety tips:
- Install smoke alarms in every bedroom, outside each sleeping area and on every level of your home, including in the basement.
- If the alarm chirps with a 10-year sealed lithium battery, replace the entire smoke alarm right away.
- For smoke alarms without the long-life lithium batteries, be sure to replace batteries at least once a year. If that alarm chirps, replace only the battery. Date each unit when they are installed and replace them after ten years - or sooner if they do not successfully pass the test by sounding the alarm when the test button is pressed.
In addition to changing smoke alarm batteries, it is also a good idea to practice a family escape plan:
- Plan and practice two escape routes out of every room in your house.
- Designate an outside meeting place.
- In case of fire, call 9-1-1 once you are safely outside your home.
- Once outside, stay outside and don’t return for anything - not even a pet.