Smoke alarms are the first line of defense against deadly fire. Having a working smoke alarm in your home cuts your risk of dying in a fire nearly in half. In a fire every second is needed to get out safely. Early warning from a smoke alarm can make the difference between surviving a fire and dying in one.
Tips for installing your smoke alarms correctly:

• Install smoke alarms Listed by a qualified testing laboratory on every level of your home, including the basement. Make sure there is an alarm in or near every sleeping area.
  
  
• Mount the smoke alarms high on ceilings or walls. Remember, smoke rises! Ceiling-mounted alarms should be installed at least four inches away from the nearest wall; wall-mounted alarms should be installed four to 12 inches away from the ceiling.
  
  
• Don't install smoke alarms near windows, outside doors, or ducts where drafts might interfere wither their operation.
  
  
• Don't paint your smoke alarms; paint or other decorations could keep them from working when you most need it.

Tips for keeping your smoke alarms working properly:           

• Test your smoke alarms at least once a month by using the alarms' "test button."
  
  
• Replace the batteries in your smoke alarms regularly, or as soon as the alarm "chirps," warning that the battery is low. Reminder: "Change your clocks, change your batteries!"
  
  
• Regularly vacuuming or dusting your smoke alarm following manufacturer' instructions can help keep it working properly.
  
  
• Replace your smoke alarms once every 10 years.
  
  
• Never "borrow" a battery from a smoke alarm.
  
  
• Make sure that everyone in your home can hear and recognize the sound alarm and knows how to react immediately.