Make sure your smoke alarms will work if needed this holiday season. Smoke alarms can reduce the risk of being injured by a home fire by alerting you that smoke is present and providing critical time to respond safely. Most fire deaths are caused by smoke inhalation, not burns. According to a 2020 study by the National Fire Protection Association, working smoke alarms reduce the risk of dying in a home fire by 55%.
Even though most homes have smoke alarms, the smoke alarms may not work when needed if they are old or defective. Smoke alarms are made to last up to 10 years and they should be replaced if they are over 10 years old or if they do not sound properly when tested.
Follow these smoke alarm tips:
- Install smoke alarms in all sleeping rooms, outside of each sleeping area and on every level of the home
- Check smoke alarms monthly by pushing the “test” button
- Never cover or paint over smoke alarms and only take them down when replacing batteries as needed
- Replace smoke alarms after 10 years of if they stop working properly
Watch this smoke alarm video to learn more
