How Often Do You Check That Your Smoke Alarm Works?

Identification

• The U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) recommends that you check your smoke alarm at least once a month. Your smoke alarm will have a single button you press to test the unit's alarm and sensitivity to smoke.

Important Fact

• Of the 1,004 homeowners surveyed by the NFPA in 2010, 40 percent took longer than a month to test their smoke alarm and 24 percent only checked twice per year.

Tip

• The USFA suggests that homeowners replace their fire alarm every 10 years -- even a seemingly well-working one. Modern fire alarms are less expensive and more reliable than those of a decade ago.