Test your smoke alarm regularly. Every month, test your smoke alarms, using the alarm test button. Once a month test your alarms using smoke from a smoldering cotton string. Follow your owner's manual.

Install a new battery of the proper type at least once a year. If the low battery warning beeps, replace the battery immediately.

Gently vacuum alarm every six months. Dust can clog a smoke alarm, so carefully vacuum the inside of a battery powered unit using the soft bristle brush. If electrically connected, shut off the power and vacuum the outside vents only. Restore power and test unit when finished.

Smoke alarms do wear out, so if you think your alarms are more than 10 years old, replace them with new ones.

Make sure that everyone knows the sound of the smoke alarm and what to do if a fire occurs. Regularly practice your home fire escape plan. Know two ways out of every room and have a pre-arranged meeting place outside. Once out, stay out and call the fire department from a neighbor’s home.

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Source: Fire Marshal's Public Fire Safety Council