In conjunction with the nationwide campaign “Change Your Clocks, Change Your Batteries,” the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) encourages everyone to check their smoke alarms and change the battery if needed, or at least once per year.

A properly installed and maintained smoke alarm is the only thing in your home that can alert you and your family to a fire 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Whether you’re awake or asleep, a working smoke alarm is constantly on alert, scanning the air for fire and smoke. Smoke alarms must be maintained! A smoke alarm with a dead or missing battery is the same as having no smoke alarm at all, so test your smoke alarm monthly by pushing the “test” button.