Keeping your home safe starts with a simple but critical habit: checking your fire, smoke, and carbon monoxide (CO) alarms regularly.
Test all smoke and CO alarms monthly by pressing the test button. If there's no beep, replace the batteries. Even hardwired alarms have backup batteries that need checking.
Change batteries at least once a year. Times like daylight saving time or New Year's Day are easy reminders. Replace smoke alarms every 10 years and CO alarms every 5-7 years, per the manufacturer. Gently dust or vacuum alarms to keep sensors clear.
Install smoke alarms in every bedroom, outside sleeping areas, and on each level of your home. Place CO alarms near sleeping areas and any fuel-burning appliances.
Five minutes a month could save your life. As my friend Carl says, "Better to hear a beep than smell smoke."
By Sharon Groves
Sharon Groves covers health, wellness, and lifestyle topics for the ARA newsletter, helping readers make informed decisions about their wellbeing in retirement.
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Lifestyle & Mindset · Sharon Groves
Easy Eddie's Take
Sharon's advice about those monthly alarm checks really hits home for us folks in retirement. Most people are surprised when they learn this, but house fires are particularly dangerous for older adults. According to the National Fire Protection Association, adults 65 and older face twice the risk of dying in a home fire compared to the general population.
Here's something practical I always tell people: when you're doing those monthly Social Security or pension deposit checks online, make that your alarm-testing day too. Same routine, same time each month. And if you're having trouble reaching those ceiling alarms or climbing ladders to change batteries, many local fire departments offer free assistance for seniors. In Arizona, most fire districts will even install new alarms at no cost for residents over 65.
Think of it this way: you've worked hard to build a secure retirement, and protecting your home is just as important as protecting your 401k. A little preparation today can make a big difference tomorrow.