When Daylight Savings Time ends, remember to “Fall Back” and set your clocks back an hour. What are you going to do with that extra hour? (besides for sleep in?!) Why, change your smoke alarm batteries, of course.
Smoke alarms save lives, but only if they are in working condition!
In addition to having working batteries, here are some additional smoke alarm tips:
- Install small alarms on every floor of your home, as well as inside and outside each sleeping area. Don’t forget to install alarms in the basement and garage.
- Place alarms at least three feet away from air vents and exhaust fans and away from the path of steam from bathrooms and cooking fumes.
- Test alarm batteries once a month. Replace batteries twice a year or when the alarm “chirps,” indicating a low battery.
- Replace alarms ever 8-10 years.
- Vacuum over and around your alarm regularly without removing the alarm’s cover to remove dust that may cause false alarms or delay activation.
- Alarms should be mounted on the wall 4-12 inches from the ceiling, and ceiling-mounted alarms should be placed four inches from the nearest wall. On a vaulted ceiling, mount the alarm at the highest point of the ceiling.
- Never “borrow” smoke alarm batteries or disconnect them from the device.
- Never paint a smoke alarm.
- Carbon Monoxide alarms are also a great way to protect your family. This is a good time to change those batteries as well.
- Make sure everyone in the household knows the sound the alarm makes and what to do if they hear it.
- Have an escape plan for your home and designate a meeting place outside the home to account for family members in the event of an emergency.
The Green Clean Maid Services Team wants you and your family to stay safe! Call Camille at (913) 207-8677 to set up a house cleaning appointment.