Smoke Alarms

Life-Saving Tips

•   Place a smoke alarm on every level of your home and outside bedrooms.  If you keep your bedroom doors closed, place a smoke alarm in each bedroom.

•  Check smoke alarms monthly by pushing the test button.  If you cannot reach the button easily, use a broom handle.

•  Change the batteries in your alarms at least once a year.

•  Teach children what the smoke alarm sounds like and what to do - leave the building immediately by crawling low under the smoke - when they hear the sound.

•  If cooking smoke sets off the alarm, do not disable it.  Turn on the range fan, open a window or wave a towel near the alarm.

•  Do not remove the batteries to put in other appliances such as personal stereos or games.

•  Smoke alarms wear out over time.  Replace yours if it is 10 years old or more.

•  Consider installing a 1-year lithium battery-powered smoke alarm, which is sealed so it cannot be tampered with or opened.

•  Hard wired smoke alarms with battery back-ups need to be tested monthly and batteries replaced yearly.