"Smoke Detectors Save Lives," How many times have we heard that.  Don't you think that if you have heard it that many times it might be true.  People are many times more likely to survive a fire if a smoke detector is present and working in the home.  Even the smallest fire puts off smoke and smoke rises so a properly mounted smoke detector will sound long before the fire is large enough to block all of the exits.

Smoke detectors should be mounted in the middle of the ceiling in each sleeping area.  There should be at least one detector on each floor.  If it is not practical to mount the detector on the ceiling then the detector can be mounted on the wall six to twelve inches below the ceiling.

Smoke detectors should be tested each month and batteries should be replaced twice a year.  It is easiest to remember if you change your battery when you change your clock.  Detectors can and should be vacuumed to keep dust out of the sensor.

To test a smoke detector simply press and hold the test button with a broom handle or your finger if you can reach.  The test button will either be a separate button or the light will be the button.