There’s something about spring that gives us a little pep in our step. Maybe it’s the melting snow or the blooming flowers, but whatever it is, it makes you want to start fresh. As winter wilts away and spring pops up, this is a great time to to start opening the windows and begin cleaning your home from top to bottom. During your spring cleaning session this year, place some safety inspections on your to-do list to ensure your home is fully prepared for the oncoming season.

Fire Alarm

Ideally, you should check your fire alarm’s functionality once a month. Start with this month, and mark your calendar accordingly to remind yourself of future inspections. Regardless of what kind of fire alarm you have installed in your home, it should have a test button. When you press the test button, the alarm will sound. If it doesn’t sound, immediately replace the battery.

Also, carefully and responsibly light a match or two under the system and allow the smoke to waft up into the alarm. If the alarm sounds, it’s working correctly. If the alarm doesn’t alert you of the smoke detection, consider investing in a new system, or try removing any visible dust or dirt on the mechanism.

Carbon Monoxide Alarm

The carbon monoxide alarm in your home alerts you of increased levels of gas in your home. If your home doesn’t currently have one, talk to your landlord about installing one or purchase one yourself for your home. Just like checking your fire alarm, the fire department recommends you test your carbon monoxide alarm once a month. On most detectors, you simply hold down the test button and wait for beeping, which indicates it’s working properly. If the alarm doesn’t chirp after 20 seconds or so, replace the battery.

Home Security System

As long as you’re checking on all your alarms, test your security system while you’re at it. While it may vary based on your home security system provider, in most cases, you can call your provider and ask to place your account on “test.” This test feature allows you to go through the motions of activating the alarm, and then opening a door or window to trigger the alarm. The test lets you see if your provider is alerted, without getting an emergency response team involved. After disarming your alarm, call your provider again to receive the test results.