Smoke detectors save lives every day, but only if they are properly installed and maintained.
They should be placed in every level of the home, especially near sleeping rooms, and installed following manufacturers' recommendations. Test your smoke detectors each month to make sure they are working, and change the battery at least once a year. A handy way to remind yourself to change batteries is to do it when you change your clocks for daylight savings time. Dust and dirt can accumulate in smoke detectors and reduce their ability to sound the alarm when needed. Cleaning can be done by vacuuming over and around the smoke detector regularly.