North Madison Fire would like to remind all residents to change the batteries in their smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors. Taking this simple step can save the lives of you and your family.

Many fatal fires occur at night while the victims are sleeping. A working smoke alarm can double the chances of survival by increasing the amount of time a person has to escape a fire in their home. Fire safety is as simple as making a habit of changing your smoke detector batteries when the time changes in spring and fall.

Remember these tips about smoke alarms:

Have smoke alarms on every level of your home, especially outside sleeping areas—and preferably inside bedrooms as well.

Test them at least once a month

Replace all detectors after 10 years.

Place smoke alarms according to manufacturer’s directions.

Clean the outside ONLY of a smoke alarm by gently going over the cover with the brush attachment of your vacuum cleaner. Never paint a smoke alarm.

Whenever a smoke alarm beeps, take it seriously. It might just be a false alarm from cooking, temperature changes, or dust—but you can’t afford to ignore the alert. Everyone in the family needs to react immediately.

Develop and practice a home escape plan. Make sure your family knows two ways out of each room, a safe meeting place outside, how to call 9-1-1 once they’re out, and why they should NEVER go back into a burning house.