Smoke Detector Maintenance

Smoke detector maintenance is great to do during Daylight Savings Time.

I know this, because I am horrible at remembering to do standard maintenance. Sadly, if it weren’t for the men in my life, I would probably have everything broken in my home. So I get it, this stuff is boring, but necessary and this is such a great trick for remembering to care for one of the most important pieces of prevention in your home.

No matter how boring, at least twice a year, I am asking you to check your smoke detector. Check that it works and change it’s batteries. That’s it – and in case you’ve never done it, here is what I want you to do…

Test Your Smoke Detector

Test your smoke detector by lighting a candle or match and blowing it out while underneath each smoke detector. Make sure you know how to reset it.

Inspect Your Smoke Detector

If your smoke detector runs off of batteries, completely replace with new batteries during each Daylight Savings time, twice a year. Batteries can easily leak when idle so this twice a year inspection and change makes sure your smoke detectors still work as they should.

While you are inspecting your smoke detector, check for an expiry date. Many wired in smoke detectors have an expiry and should be replaced completely after that date.

So if you didn’t check your smoke detector when you changed your clocks yesterday. Go do it now…yup, I’ll wait for you to do it…seriously…still waiting! You get my point. I need you to do this. And if you can’t safely climb to your smoke detector – ask family, friend, neighbor, landlord to assist you. Your smoke detector maintenance is your first line of defense against fire and a key piece of your safety.

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Battery Operated Smoke Detectors You Can Put Anywhere

Other Detectors You Should Have in Your Home

At minimum, your home should have a smoke detector outside rooms where you sleep, and one on each floor of the house. The links above are some great products that can get shipped right to your home and can be installed easily anywhere. I hope you took the time to keep your smoke detector working safely.