The twice a year time change is also a great time to change out your smoke alarm batteries, and if needed, your smoke alarms.
Most smoke alarms are only recommended to be used for not more than 10 years. After that, they become clogged with dust and the sensors fail.
If you are unable to change your own out, call your local American Red Cross or fire department. Many will provide and install new ones at no charge. Even if they don't provide them, if you purchase them they will send someone over to help you install them at no charge.
Smoke alarms can be purchased for as little as $4.50 at home stores. Saving the life of your family is worth much more than that.
Do not install alarms in areas where they are easily tripped, such as over the fireplace or kitchen stove. When installed there, people tend to disconnect them for sounding off falsely and you have then defeated their purpose.
Install them in the center of the room, away from ceiling fans. Ideally one should be in each bedroom, living and dining rooms, basement rooms and hallways. If you can, also install in the kitchen away from stoves or grease sources (like the fry daddy on the counter).
Source: I am a firefighter and help with public education programs
By mom-from-missouri from NW Missouri
By ang from Southington, CT
My smoke alarm is chirping at present. I have tried to remove the outer case to replace the battery, but it is impossible, seems to be stuck. It is a smoke alarm which was installed in the house when built. Any advise?
By Linda
By catastrofy
12/26/2009
I would get the brand name off the cover and google it...there is usually an owner's manual on line that will tell you how to get the cover off without breaking it! Or phone the manufacturer and ask. There are so many different ways these covers come off!
Where would I find my smoke alarm battery? I need to change it because its beeping every 30 seconds. How do I change it?
By Phil m
By T&T Grandma
04/04/2013
Batteries are meant to be changed out every 6 months. Fire code suggestion. Take alarm off the wall, turn it around, there it is. Even if you test it and it is good, replace. Your life is not worth the $3 battery.
Same time, check your CO detector. If it has a battery backup, change that too.
Daylight savings time is a good time to change your batteries in your smoke alarms. Most safety companies and fire departments recommend the batteries be changed every 6 months, which happens to be about the same as daylight savings time.
By April from NW Missouri
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Changing the Battery in a Smoke Detector