Submitted by San Juan County.

With the changing of the seasons comes an opportunity to check in on our household heating units, wood stoves and fireplaces. This is a great time to check the batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, too. Use these helpful tips as you prepare for colder weather:

Check batteries

Replace your batteries every year or six months: Change the batteries in your smoke alarms at least once a year, or even more often, especially if you can associate it with turning your clocks back for Daylight Saving Time.

Listen for the “chirp”: A chirping sound from your smoke alarm indicates a low battery.

Never borrow batteries: Do not take a battery from a smoke alarm to use elsewhere; the unit can’t warn you of a fire without a working battery.

Test your alarms

Monthly tests are ideal: Test your smoke alarms at least once a month by holding down the test button until you hear a loud, clear alarm sound.

Involve the whole family: Test your alarms with your family to ensure everyone knows what the sound means and what to do.

Perform other maintenance

Check the date of manufacture: Smoke alarms typically last about 10 years, so check the date of manufacture on the back and replace the entire unit if it’s older than 10 years.

Clean the alarms: Vacuum or dust your smoke detectors regularly to remove any dust buildup that could interfere with their operation.

Practice your escape plan: Develop a fire escape plan with your family and practice it regularly to ensure everyone knows how to get out of the house quickly.

Additional fall fire safety tips

Clean your chimney: If you have a wood-burning fireplace, have your chimney inspected and cleaned before you start using it for the cooler months.

Check heating systems: Have your furnace or heating system checked by a professional before the cold weather sets in.

Clear flammable materials: Rake up leaves and other flammable debris from around your home to reduce outdoor fire risks.