How to Change the Batteries in Your Smoke Detector

A good rule of thumb to remember with smoke detectors is to change the batteries at daylight savings time, twice a year. If your smoke detector starts chirping or beeping off and on, it's time to change the batteries.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Make sure your detector runs on batteries and is not just hard-wired to the electricity in your home.

2. Take the top off the detector and follow the manufacturer's instructions for changing the batteries.

3. Replace the whole detector if it is a detector that runs on a 10-year lithium battery.

Tips & Warnings

• Test your smoke detector once a month.
• Buy a few extra batteries when you purchase your detector so that you always have some on hand. It's easy to put this important, life-saving task on hold.
• Replace all smoke detectors after 10 years.
• You may want to consider purchasing a combination smoke/carbon monoxide detector, which costs more money but is well worth it.
• If a smoke detector goes off in your home, you literally have seconds to respond. There is absolutely no time to gather possessions, pets and possibly even one another. Your best response is to leave the home immediately, gather at your prearranged meeting place and call 911 from a neighbor's home.
• Avoid getting any paint or dust on your smoke detector.
• Make sure that the smoke detector you choose has been tested by an independent testing laboratory.