Smoke and CO Detector Check: The 5-Minute Task That Saves Lives

Smoke detectors are the most effective fire safety device you can have. But only if they work.

Studies consistently show that working smoke alarms cut the risk of dying in a home fire by roughly half. Non-working alarms - dead batteries, disconnected, or missing - are found in a significant proportion of fatal fires.

What to Check

Monthly:

• Press the test button. It should beep loudly.
• If it doesn't, replace the battery immediately.

Annually:

• Replace batteries (even if they still work)
• Vacuum dust from the unit
• Check expiry date (detectors last 10 years)

Every 10 years:

• Replace the entire unit

Types of Detectors

Ionisation alarms: Better at detecting fast-flaming fires. Prone to false alarms from cooking.

Photoelectric alarms: Better at detecting slow, smouldering fires. Fewer false alarms.

Dual-sensor alarms: Both technologies. Best overall protection.

Smart alarms: Connected, send phone alerts, can be silenced remotely. More expensive but more convenient.

Carbon Monoxide Detectors

CO is odourless and colourless. You won't know it's there until you're ill - or worse.

Required if you have:

• Gas appliances (boiler, cooker, fire)
• Wood-burning stove or fireplace
• Attached garage
• Oil heating

Placement: Near sleeping areas, at least one per floor. Not directly next to fuel-burning appliances (they can give false readings).

Lifespan: 5-7 years typically. Check the expiry date.

Legal Requirements

UK (England): Smoke alarms required on every floor. CO alarms required in rooms with fixed combustion appliances. Landlords must provide and test annually.

Scotland: Interlinked alarms required in all homes (one goes off, they all go off).

US: Requirements vary by state and municipality. Most require smoke alarms; CO requirements vary.

The 5-Minute Annual Check

1. Test each alarm (press button, wait for beep)
2. Replace batteries
3. Vacuum dust from vents
4. Check expiry dates
5. Replace any units over 10 years old

Add it to your tasks. We'll remind you annually.