How to Change the Batteries in a First Alert Smoke Alarm

Smoke alarms are essential pieces of home safety equipment. First Alert smoke detectors attach to the ceiling with a bracket, making changing the batteries a simple task. Some home safety experts recommend that you replace the batteries in your smoke alarm at least once a year, when your smoke alarm starts "chirping" intermittently (indicating that the batteries are wearing out), or if your smoke detector fails a test, which they suggest that you perform weekly by pushing and holding the "test" button on the unit until the alarm sounds.

Two AA batteries
Step ladder

Instructions

- 1
  Set the step ladder under your smoke alarm. Climb up and grip the cover of the alarm, turning it one-half turn counterclockwise and releasing it from its bracket.
- 2
  Pull the cover off to expose the battery compartment. Take out the old AA batteries and insert two new ones, making sure that the positive and negative terminals on each battery line up with the matching terminals in the smoke detector.
- 3
  Place the smoke alarm cover back into the bracket and turn it one-half turn clockwise to lock it into place.
- 4
  Push the battery "test" button on the smoke alarm cover. Listen for the alarm and check to make sure that the light glows, indicating that the batteries are working properly.

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