(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.
