Working smoke alarms save lives. In fact,the risk of dying in a residential fire is cut in half in homes with working smoke alarms. That is why it is recommended that smoke alarm batteries are replaced regularly. As a reminder, the "Change Your Clocks, Change your Battery®" campaign is presented in the spring and fall when the time change occurs. However, due to new life safety regulations in California, newly installed smoke alarms are required to have a non-replaceable, 10-year battery. So, if your smoke alarms have a replaceable battery, then put in a fresh one; if not, test your alarm to make sure it is working. Remember, a "chirping" sound from a smoke alarm is an indicator that a new battery is needed. Additionally, it is strongly recommended that all smoke alarms be replaced if they are 10-years old (or older). Upon replacing old smoke alarms, a battery change will no longer be required.
Smoke alarms should be on every level of your home, outside of every sleeping area, and in every bedroom. In a typical single-family residence, this would require 4-6 alarms.
Post by: Captain Scott Culkin, Lakeside Fire District
