10/05/2026
Flip your smoke alarm over. What year is printed on it?
Smoke alarms do not last forever. NFPA educational guidance says to replace all types after 10 years. Also test alarms every month. nfpa.org
During Fire Prevention Week:
- Check the manufacture date on every alarm.
- Replace alarms that are 10 years old—or earlier if the manufacturer instructs.
- Press each test button.
- Confirm alarms can be heard from sleeping areas.
- Review accommodations for anyone who is deaf or hard of hearing.
- Make sure everyone recognizes the alarm sound.
- Practice two ways out of each room.
- Choose an outside family meeting place.
- Keep exits and escape routes unobstructed.
Tennessee residents who need alarms can contact their local fire department about participating in the free Get Alarmed, Tennessee! program. It distributes 10-year sealed-battery alarms, carbon-monoxide detectors and specialized equipment for people with hearing impairments. tn.gov
Then review the insurance protection behind your home:
- Dwelling and personal-property limits
- Replacement-cost versus actual-cash-value provisions
- Loss-of-use coverage
- Deductibles
- Home inventory and supporting documentation
- Available protective-device discounts
Mississippi’s Insurance Department recommends smoke detectors and advises consumers to ask whether protective devices qualify for a discount. Eligibility and savings vary by insurer. mid.ms.gov
Check the alarm. Practice the exit. Understand the policy.
Request your personalized home-insurance review at www.greerfinancialservices.org.