Most fatal fires occur at night when we are most vulnerable. Seconds not minutes can make the difference between getting out safely or dying.

Test your smoke alarms each month to make sure they are working. Simple, right? But, do you do it?

Studies have proven that smoke alarms greatly increase your chance of survival. Most cities and towns require that home owners and landlords must install and maintain smoke alarms on every level of the home.

Having smoke alarms cuts your chance of dying nearly in half if you have a home fire. But, your smoke alarms arent any good if theyre not working!

Smoke alarms should be tested every month, either by using the test button or introducing real smoke, from a candle or cigarette.

They also should be vacuumed every six months.

Take just a few seconds out of your day each month, making sure your alarms are working to protect you and your family if a fire breaks out.

Smoke alarms give you advance warning of a fire, in a situation where minutes can mean the difference between life and death. Its worth the small amount of time it takes to test your smoke alarms.

Battery operated smoke alarms should have their battery replaced at least once a year. An easy reminder is when you change your clock, change your smoke alarm battery.

The new 10 year lithium battery smoke alarms are also subject to the monthly testing.

Also, the smoke alarm its self should be replaced every 10 years.

Please join us, be smart about fire safety and make sure your smoke alarms are working.