Safety gear only works if someone checks it, so put the whole routine on one date you’ll remember — your birthday, New Year, any anchor works. On that day:
- Press the test button on every smoke and carbon monoxide alarm; change batteries that aren’t long-life sealed units.
- Check the date stamp on each alarm — smoke alarms retire at ten years, CO alarms sooner per their label.
- Pick up each fire extinguisher: needle in the green, hose uncracked, pin in place. Give it a gentle shake or turn to keep the powder loose. A home extinguisher that’s past its date or reading low gets replaced, not trusted.
- Check torch batteries and make sure exits aren’t blocked by stored boxes.
Between annual checks, a monthly alarm test takes two minutes if you pair it with something you already do.
Need new alarms fitted at the right heights while we handle the fiddly bits? CMG Bridge, Staten Island, Monday to Saturday — $125 covers the first hour.