If your detector is battery operated, change the batteries twice a year, when the time changes in the spring and fall. Most smoke detectors will sound a chirping noise when the battery gets low, but don't wait for that. Always keep fresh batteries on hand. Have at least one smoke detector on each level of your home or apartment. Protect the bedroom areas first, since most fatal home fires happen at night.
New construction requires smoke detectors in each bedroom.
Train everyone in your family to respond quickly at the sound of the smoke detector. Practice getting out safely. Return smoke detectors that are not working properly or that sound a false alarm. Get new ones.