Early November, Daylight Savings ends and you get an extra hour in your day. You can use that extra time to check the batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
During the winter we spend more hours indoors. With more nighttime hours and colder temperatures, we could be exposed to fire or hidden hazards in our home. It’s important that you check your detectors for the following:
- Test your smoke alarms at least once per month
- Remove the smoke alarm from the ceiling and check the manufacturer date. If it’s greater than 10 years, it’s time to replace the unit.
- Remove the battery and replace it with a new battery
- Test your carbon monoxide detector
- Be sure to place at least one carbon monoxide detector on every floor of your home
Carbon monoxide is considered the “invisible killer” because colorless, odorless, and a poisonous gas. It can be omitted through common consumer products such as generators. However, it can also be the byproduct of incorrectly vented fuel-burning appliances such as gas fireplaces, furnaces, stoves, and water heaters.