Taking simple measures this New Year to install and maintain smoke detectors in your home can be a matter of life and death for yourself and your family. Here are some tips:
Install multiple smoke detectors in your home. If you have multiple levels, install a smoke detector up high on each level and outside sleeping areas. Mount each alarm at least 4 inches from a corner and 4 inches from walls, but well away from windows and heating vents. It's best to install one inside each bedroom, as well, especially because you and your children should sleep with bedroom doors closed. (Learn more about where to install smoke detectors.)
Test your smoke detectors and replace the batteries. Test them every month and replace the batteries at least once a year. (A chirping sound means your battery needs to be replaced. Pick the same dates every year to help you remember to change the batteries, such as the New Year, or when you adjust the clocks for daylight saving time. (Learn about smoke alarms for kids.)
Never disable your smoke detector. Perhaps your smoke detector occasionally goes off while you're cooking. It's tempting to shut the thing off or remove the batteries. Never do this; you may forget to reset the detector or reinstall the batteries later on.
Keep fire extinguishers in strategic places. At a minimum, you should keep one on each floor and in the kitchen. Be sure you know how to use them. The one in the kitchen should be a multi-purpose fire extinguisher, one that can put out electrical and grease fires.
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