Spring may seem like it is decades away, but in reality, it will be here before we know it! The arrival of spring also signifies a clean slate: purging, cleaning, and organizing throughout the house. This all may sound daunting, but it’s not hard for me to spur into spring cleaning when the “winter doldrums” are behind me. Nothing gets me in a better spring cleaning mood than opening the windows, smelling the fresh springtime air; and letting my music playlist play in the background, as I purge, clean, and organize!

As we prepare our home for spring, my husband and I also check for potential hazards around my home to ensure that our home is safe. This includes checking the smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms. Anytime is always a good time to check batteries in smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms or replace them altogether if outdated. You should replace the batteries at least every six months. While you are preparing your home ready for the warmer months, it takes only a few minutes to check your batteries in these items. It could be life-saving!

I also use this time to give my children a refresher to remind them about fire safety and the dangers of carbon monoxide. While my youngest child is nearly 4-years-old, teaching him about these things is imperative since a troublesome event can occur at any given moment. Creating designated exits and a layout of the home are some of the ways that can help children prepare for the unexpected. My family and I moved to a new home a few months ago, so familiarizing them with a different home layout and exits is crucial.

Two-fifths of carbon monoxide exposure occurs during the months of December, January, and February, according to the CDC. As many as 50,000 Americans visit the emergency room each year due to accidental exposure! , there are various sources that can produce this deadly gas. It can be produced from any fuel burning device in your home, including your stove, furnace, or boiler. Unlike fire, you can’t see or smell carbon monoxide since it is invisible and odorless. The only way that this poisonous gas can be detected is by installing carbon monoxide alarms on every level of the home, and in the bedrooms.

Thankfully, First Alert has a variety of CO alarms that can detect this poisonous gas before it’s too late. If you need multiple CO alarms throughout your home, this portable carbon monoxide detector from First Alert is a good option out there. Not only does it help ensure 10 years of protection and no battery replacements, but installation also is not needed. You can place it anywhere it’s needed, including a tabletop. However, it does come with screws and anchors to mount on the wall. This is a preferable choice for me since I have a curious little guy! It has a digital LED display that shows temperature and CO levels when detected. This feature gives me peace of mind knowing that it works! In the event that this alarm beeps, my family and I have planned how we’ll safely exit our home and call 911.