Test your smoke and CO alarms in five minutes

Working alarms cut the risk of dying in a home fire in half. A quick monthly routine for every floor.

Hand pressing the test button on a white ceiling-mounted smoke detector

Most homes have alarms, but many of them have dead batteries or are past their 10-year life. Testing takes five minutes and is the single best safety habit you can build.

Monthly test

Press and hold the test button until the alarm sounds
Have someone check that it can be heard in every bedroom
Replace batteries in any alarm that chirps or sounds weak

Check the date

Smoke alarms should be replaced every 10 years and CO alarms every 7 to 10. The manufacture date is printed on the back.

Where alarms belong

You need a smoke alarm inside each bedroom, outside each sleeping area and on every level, including the basement. Put a CO alarm on every level and near bedrooms.

Want them hardwired and interconnected so one sets off all of them? Our electricians can do it in an afternoon.