If you follow these simple tips, you can ensure that your home is adequately protected by working smoke alarms.

Smoke alarm tips

• Smoke alarms should be in­stalled in every bedroom, outside each sleeping area and on every level of the home.

• Combination smoke alarms that include both ionization and photoelectric alarms offer the most comprehensive protection. An ionization alarm is more responsive to flames, while a photoelectric alarm is more responsive to a smoldering fire.

• For the best protection, smoke alarms should be interconnected, so they all sound if any one of them sounds.

• Purchase smoke alarms from a reputable retailer you trust.

• Choose alarms that bear the label of a nationally recognized testing laboratory.

• Install smoke alarms at least 10 feet from cooking appliances to reduce the possibility of nuisance alarms.

• If possible, alarms should be mounted in the center of a ceiling. If mounted on a wall, they should be six to 12 inches below the ceiling.

• Avoid locating alarms near bathrooms, heating appliances, windows or ceiling fans.

• Never paint over a smoke alarm.

• Smoke alarms should be tested once a month by pressing the TEST button.

• Replace the smoke alarm batteries at least once a year. If an alarm “chirps” or “beeps” to indicate low batteries, they should be replaced immediately.

• Replace the smoke alarms every 10 years.

Learn more

For further facts and tips on smoke alarms, visit the Electrical Safety Foundation International, a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting electrical safety, at www.esfi.org.