How and why you should regularly check your smoke detectors

Each floor of your home, including the basement, should be equipped with a smoke detector. It’s also a good idea to put a smoke detector in every room. However, the most important thing of all is regularly checking that they work properly.

How to inspect smoke detectors
Once a month, press the “test” button on each of your smoke detectors. If you don’t hear anything, replace the battery immediately.

In addition, you should confirm whether your detectors can actually detect the presence of smoke. Once a year, blow out a candle under them. If they don’t go off, then they need to be replaced as soon as possible.

Smoke detectors save lives
The best way to prevent casualties in the case of a fire is to have functioning smoke detectors. Here’s why.

• Most fire-related casualties occur overnight. A smoke detector’s alarm allows occupants to wake up and evacuate in time.

• Smoke inhalation is the leading cause of fire-related death. Smoke spreads quickly, and occupants have on average two minutes to evacuate before smoke inhalation becomes life threatening. Smoke detectors allow you to react before it’s too late.

The bottom line is that well-functioning smoke detectors are the best way to keep you and your family safe.