Check Your Smoke Detectors—They Could Save Your Life

Smoke detectors are one of the simplest, most effective tools in your home for protecting you and your family from fire. Yet, too often they are forgotten—missing batteries, unplugged, or broken. A non-working smoke detector is no better than no detector at all.

Why Smoke Detectors Matter

According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), three out of five home fire deaths occur in homes without working smoke alarms. A working smoke detector can give you those critical extra seconds to escape during a fire. They alert you before smoke becomes overwhelming and deadly—especially important at night when you're sleeping.

Quick Safety Checklist

Here’s what you can do right now to make sure your smoke detectors are functioning properly:

• Test them monthly: Press the test button until the alarm sounds. If it doesn't, replace the battery and try again. If it still doesn’t work, replace the unit.

• Change the batteries twice a year: A good rule of thumb is to change them when you change your clocks for daylight saving time.

• Replace detectors every 10 years: Over time, smoke detectors wear out. Check the manufacturing date on the back—if it’s over 10 years old, replace it.

• Have detectors on every level of your home: Especially outside sleeping areas and inside each bedroom.

• Consider interconnected alarms: These systems alert the entire house when one detector goes off—ideal for larger homes or families.

Peace of Mind, Just a Few Minutes Away

It only takes a few minutes to check your smoke detectors, but those minutes could mean the difference between life and death. Make it a regular part of your home safety routine and talk to your family about fire safety.

Don’t wait for a close call to realize the importance of a working smoke detector. Check it today—it could save your life tomorrow.