Smoke alarm maintenance is important in Tennessee and Northern Alabama because of the high risk for wildfires. According to the National Fire Protection Association, three out of five home fire deaths occur in homes without working smoke alarms.
Smoke alarms should be tested monthly and the batteries should be replaced at least once a year. If a smoke alarm is more than 10 years old, it should be replaced.
Homeowners should have a home fire escape plan and practice it with all members of the household. Everyone should know two ways to get out of every room in the event of a fire.
Source: https://www.nfpa.org/Public-Education/Fire-causes-and-risks/Smoke-alarms
Source: https://www.usfa.fema.gov/prevention/outreach/smoke_alarms.html