Maintaining Your Smoke & CO Detectors

Why It Matters:

Working alarms give you the critical minutes needed to escape during a fire or carbon monoxide leak.

Placement Rules:

Install smoke alarms on every level, inside every bedroom, and outside sleeping areas. CO detectors should be near sleeping areas and on every floor.

Essential Maintenance Checklist:

• Monthly Testing: Press the "test" button on every unit once a month.

• Annual Battery Changes: Replace batteries in all standard units every year. If the unit "chirps," replace the battery immediately.

• Regular Cleaning: Gently vacuum or wipe the exterior to remove dust that can interfere with sensors.

• The 10-Year Rule: Entire smoke alarm units must be replaced every 10 years. Many CO detectors expire even sooner—check the manufacturer’s date on the back.