Smoke Alarms

When a fire breaks out, you have only seconds to escape its heat, black smoke and deadly gases. You can dramatically increase the chances of surviving a fire simply by installing and maintaining working smoke alarms in your home. This life-saving device can help alert you and your family to a fire and increase time needed for escape.

Follow these simple tips to help make your home a safer place:

• 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 – perhaps when you change your clocks for Daylight Saving Time.
• 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.
• Smoke alarms wear out over time. Replace yours if it is 10 years old or more.