Safety Tips - Smoke Alarms
There are numerous household fires all over North America every year. Don’t put yourself or your family at unnecessary risk; install smoke alarms and ensure that they are properly maintained.
- Know the requirements for your community. In some regions, smoke alarms are mandatory for certain buildings. Contact your local municipal office or fire department for details.
- Choose a smoke alarm that makes a clear, loud noise. That annoying sound could save a life.
- Choose a suitable power source: battery, plug-in, or hardwired. Some plug-in and hardwired models have a battery backup so that the alarm will sound even if the electrical power is shut off.
- Install smoke alarms on every level of your home.
Only a working smoke alarm can give you the precious seconds you might need to escape a fire. So, be sure to follow these precautions:
- Test each unit at least once a month.
- Change the batteries at least twice a year. A good reminder is to change your batteries each time you reset your clocks for Daylight Savings Time.
- Be sure to use the correct type of batteries.
- See the manufacturer's instructions for detailed operating instructions.