Moving into a new home is a happy — and hectic — time. There’s so much to do! Your to-do list is overflowing in the days and weeks after purchasing a home. That’s why we wanted to share with you two tasks that you’ll want to put at the top of your to-do list to help keep you and your family healthy and safe.

Replace the batteries and inspect the smoke alarms. It’s one of the first things you’ll want to do after getting the keys to your new home. The batteries in battery-powered smoke detectors should be changed at least once a year. The units themselves should be replaced every 10 years. You’ll want to test units monthly. If you aren’t sure how old the smoke detectors are in your new home, replace them.

Make sure you have enough smoke detectors, too. The National Fire Protection Association recommends smoke alarms be installed inside each bedroom, outside each sleeping area and on every level of the home, including the basement. Interconnected smoke alarms are the best way to go —when one smoke alarm goes off, they all go off. Smoke alarms are an important part of a home fire escape plan. Make sure your family has one.

Check or install carbon monoxide alarms. Carbon monoxide is a silent killer. It’s an invisible, odorless gas. Because you can’t see, taste or smell it, carbon monoxide can kill you before you know it’s there. Make sure your new home has CO detectors on each floor and make sure that they are replaced every five years. (Check each alarm’s manufacture date so you know when it’s time for replacement.) You don’t need carbon monoxide detectors only during the winter months — carbon monoxide is a year-round threat.

Install a CO alarm outside each sleeping area, inside every bedroom, and on every level of the home, including the basement. Choose an alarm that is tested and listed by a Nationally Accredited Lab such as ETL or UL.

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If you are ready to schedule your home inspection give us a call at 605-490-2916 or schedule online.

Red Horse Home Inspection services the Black Hills of South Dakota.  This includes Rapid City, Summerset, Sturgis, Spearfish, Lead, Deadwood, Custer, Hot Springs, Hill City, Keystone, Hermosa, Rapid Valley, Belle Fourche, Box Elder, New Underwood, and surrounding areas.