Fall Back! Check Your Smoke Alarms

Home Safety

Smoke Alarm Checklist

A working smoke alarm gives your family an early warning and valuable time to get outside safely. Use time change weekend to go through this list.

• Install Them in the Right PlacesOn every level of your home, inside every bedroom, and outside each sleeping area.
• Test Every MonthPress the test button on each alarm. Time change weekend is a good reminder, but testing should happen monthly.
• Replace BatteriesFor alarms with replaceable batteries, put in fresh ones at least once a year, and right away if an alarm chirps to signal a low battery.
• Check the Alarm's AgeSmoke alarms wear out. Look for the date on the back and replace the whole alarm every 10 years, or sooner if the manufacturer says so.
• Sealed-Battery AlarmsIf your alarm has a sealed, long-life battery, follow the manufacturer's instructions. Do not try to replace the sealed battery.
• Hardwired AlarmsHardwired alarms usually have a backup battery. Check the manufacturer's instructions for yours.
• Don't Forget Carbon Monoxide AlarmsIf you have them, test them too and follow the manufacturer's replacement dates.
• Make a PlanMake sure everyone knows two ways out of every room and a safe meeting place outside. Practice it together. If an alarm sounds, get out, stay out, and call 911 from outside.