$10 and 10 Minutes: The Smoke & CO Safety Check Every Household Needs

by Karen Arnold | August 20, 2025

Protecting your home and family doesn’t have to be complicated—or expensive. Smoke alarms and carbon monoxide (CO) detectors are your first line of defense, but too often they’re expired, disconnected, or forgotten. The result? A false sense of security that puts households at risk.

For less than $10 and just 10 minutes, you can perform a safety check that could save lives. This simple routine ensures every detector in your home is powered, placed correctly, and ready to alert you in an emergency. Whether you’re a homeowner, renter, or landlord, staying proactive not only safeguards loved ones but also protects your property and your peace of mind.

Don’t wait until it’s too late—make today the day you test your alarms.

Why You Shouldn’t Wait

A working detector is more than a convenience—it’s your first line of defense. Consider this:

• Smoke can overwhelm a home in under two minutes. Escape time is short, and every second counts.
• Carbon monoxide is invisible and odorless. Exposure can turn dangerous long before symptoms appear.
• Expired or disconnected alarms give false security. A silent detector isn’t a safe one.

The 10-Minute Smoke & CO Inspection Routine

Take these simple steps for each detector in your home:

✅ Press the TEST button on every smoke and CO alarm (today, then monthly).
✅ Replace batteries immediately if you can’t remember the last change. Set a 6-month reminder moving forward.
✅ Check the manufacture date. Replace smoke alarms every 10 years; replace CO detectors every 7 years (or per manufacturer’s recommendation).
✅ Confirm coverage. Every level of your home, hallways outside bedrooms, and inside sleeping areas should be covered—check your local code for requirements.
✅ Vacuum vents to clear dust. For hardwired units, confirm backup batteries are installed.
✅ Upgrade where possible. Combination smoke/CO units, sealed long-life batteries, and interconnected alerts offer stronger protection.
✅ Plan for everyone. For households with people who are deaf or hard of hearing, the NFPA (National Fire Protection Association) recommends strobe lights or bed/pillow shakers triggered by alarms.

For Renters & Landlords

• Renters: Test monthly and report issues right away. Don’t ignore a chirping alarm.
• Landlords/Owners: Keep documentation of battery changes and replacement dates. It protects both your tenants and your liability.

Pro Tip: Keep a 4-pack of batteries handy and label each with the installation date before popping them into the device.

The Peace-of-Mind Payoff

For less than $10 and 10 minutes of your time, you can safeguard your home, your people, and your peace of mind. Rebuilding after a fire or recovering from CO exposure costs infinitely more—financially and emotionally.

So ask yourself: When’s the last time you tested your detectors?

If it’s been a while, take 10 minutes right now. Your safety—and your family’s future—are worth it.