It's no secret that having smoke detectors is important in saving lives, however ensuring that they are in properly installed and keeping them in good condition is essential and could mean the difference in getting out alive. Follow these simple tips in smoke detector safety:

• Test your smoke detector often, about once a month.
• Are the batteries installed and working? Remember: when you change your clocks, change the batteries in your smoke detector. If your detector is chirping, it is signalling that your battery is low and needs replacement.
• Install smoke detectors at least on every floor of your home and in every bedroom. See diagram
• Don't disable smoke detectors, even temporarily. If your detector is activated frequently from nuisance alarms, try relocating it farther from the kitchen or bathroom, as steam and light cooking smoke can activate the alarm. Dust and cobwebs can also activate the alarm, make sure you vacuum or dust your detector periodically.
• Plan fire drills periodically, especially if you have small children in your home to ensure that everyone knows where to go and what to do should the smoke detector activate in the case of a fire.
• Install smoke detectors as high on the wall or ceiling as possible. The smoke will rise up to the highest point in a room, therefore
• Replace your smoke detectors every 10 years.