Batteries in single-station smoke alarms should be changed how often?

• A. Every year
• B. Every 6 months
• C. When they die
• D. Every 2 weeks

Answer: (B)

Regular maintenance of smoke alarms is essential to make sure they work when needed. For single-station alarms, changing the batteries every six months keeps the power source fresh and reduces the risk that a battery is too weak to sound an alert in an emergency. Even if you test the unit monthly, a slowly degrading battery can fail between tests, so a six-month replacement schedule adds a reliable safety margin. Waiting until the battery dies is risky because you might not know the device won’t operate when smoke is present. Replacing batteries every two weeks is unnecessary and impractical. If your alarm uses replaceable batteries, stick to the six-month schedule; if it has a sealed long-life battery, you don’t replace the battery—follow the unit’s replacement guidance.