Health Tip: Use Smoke Detectors Correctly

(HealthDay News) -- Smoke detectors can prevent damage to your home and serious injury to you and your loved ones -- as long as the detectors are installed and maintained properly.

The Arlington, Va., Fire Department offers these suggestions to keep your smoke detectors in working order:

• Install a smoke detector near the ceiling on each level of your home -- especially on levels where you sleep.
• Don''t place them next to windows, doors, stoves, or heating/cooling vents to make sure that the devices can accurately test the air.
• Test your smoke alarm each month -- most of them have a "test button" feature.
• Replace batteries every year, and replace the detector itself every 10 years.
• Clean smoke detectors regularly with a vacuum.

-- Diana Kohnle

Last Updated: Jan. 15, 2007

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