How often do you check your smoke detector and fireplace? Most people think that changing the batteries of their smoke detectors is enough to keep their home safe. But it’s not. That’s why I tell my clients additional safety rules on maintaining smoke detectors and fireplaces properly.

The ten-and-six rule for smoke detectors. Every six months, you should change the batteries in your smoke detectors. You can easily schedule this at the same time when you change your clocks for daylight saving time so you can easily remember. Next, every ten years, you should replace the entire smoke detector. Even if the batteries are fresh, the sensors can wear out over time. So don’t forget to mark your calendar or write a small reminder on your unit when you install your smoke detectors.

"Don’t skip daily maintenance to help keep your home safe."

•Yearly fireplace maintenance. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) recommends that every fireplace be inspected at least once a year, especially if used frequently. Even if you don’t use your fireplace often, you should still have it checked out every five years to ensure it is safe.

These inspections can prevent potential problems before they become serious, so don’t skip daily maintenance to help keep your home safe. If you have any questions or need more information, feel free to call or text at (703) 216-4272 or send an email to trobinson@remaxdistinctive.com. I’m always here to help. Remember, safety first.