Five Minutes or Less for Health Weekly Tip: Check Alarm Batteries
Everyone should have smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors in their homes. Carbon monoxide, or CO, is an odorless, colorless gas that can cause sudden illness and death.
Three out of five home fire deaths result from fires in properties without working smoke alarms.
Take a few minutes to ensure your alarms will sound in an emergency.
- Install a battery-operated carbon monoxide detector near bedrooms, and make sure smoke alarms are near all sleeping rooms. Install smoke alarms on every floor of your home.
- Choose smoke alarms that communicate with each other, so that if one alarm sounds they all will.
- Check or change the batteries in your carbon monoxide detectors at least twice a year.
- Test smoke alarms monthly.
- For smoke alarms that use regular alkaline batteries, replace the batteries at least once a year.
- For smoke alarms that use lithium (long-life) batteries, replace the entire smoke alarm according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Make and practice an escape plan in the event of a fire or emergency.
Learn More
All Five Minutes or Less for Health Weekly Tips
January
- Make Health Your Resolution
- Take Folic Acid
- Lower Your Risk for Cervical Cancer
- Learn the Signs and Symptoms of a Heart Attack
- Wear Red for Heart Health
February
- 5 Tools for Pregnant Women, New Moms, and Women Who Are Considering Pregnancy
- Be a Healthy Valentine
- Prevent Infections During Pregnancy
- Wear a Helmet
March
April
- Limit Alcohol and Prevent Prescription Drug Overdose
- Watch for Milestones
- Prevent STDs
- Garden Safely
May
June
July
August
September
October
November
December
- Page last reviewed: October 26, 2015
- Page last updated: October 26, 2015
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