If there were a fire in your home tonight, would you be prepared? Most home fires start late at night, and can quickly burn down an unprepared home, and can even kill the occupants before they are aware that there is a fire. The U.S. government suggests keeping several working smoke detectors inside their homes.

Even if you think you would wake up and smell the fire before it becomes dangerous, is that really a risk you are willing to take with the lives of your loved ones? Purchasing several of these detectors, as well as carbon monoxide detectors, is a simple way to prevent a horrible tragedy in your family.

Every general hardware and home supply store carries battery operated smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors for carbon monoxide detection. Most of these are powered by 9-volt batteries. Read the back of the box to be sure you know which type of batteries you need to buy.

Purchase enough to cover each level of your home. Install an alarm inside many different areas of your house. Some communities have a service where the fire department will come to your home and install the alarms for you. This service is very handy for the elderly and for those unable to move easily on their own.

After you have installed your smoke detectors, they should be ready to go. It is good to replace the batteries in your alarms, as well as your carbon monoxide detectors, at least once a year. As a part of semi-annual home maintenance, it is recommended that you add a field on your list for changing the batteries.

The entire alarm unit should be replaced within 10 years of the original purchase. Do not be surprised if your new alarm goes off while you are cooking. The alarm is working properly if this happens, so take comfort in knowing that simple fact.

Your new smoke detectors should last for a long time after the date of purchase. Be sure to record when you bought the alarms somewhere in a household record. Monthly testing of your alarms is a necessary preventative maintenance task for your home.

It is also wise to sit down and plan with your family what to do in the event of a fire emergency or if your carbon monoxide detectors go off. There is no such thing as being too prepared. Being prepared with a system of alarms backed up with extinguishers and an escape plan, as well as two way radios for contact if separated, will maximize your chances of getting out alive.