The fire death rate in homes with working smoke alarms is over 50% lower than those with working smoke alarms. The U.S. Fire Administration and the American Red Cross recommend these simple safety steps:
- Install smoke alarms on every level of your home and outside sleeping areas.
- Test alarms monthly.
- Replace batteries annually or any time you hear a cricket-like ‘chirping.’
- Clean smoke alarms so they are dust and debris free by vacuuming over and around them.
- Install smoke alarms away from windows, doors or ducts that could interfere with operation.
- Practice a family home fire escape plan.
- Alarms wear out. Replace them every 10 years.