As temperatures drop and we begin spending more time indoors, fall is a great time to make sure one of your home's most important safety systems is working properly: your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms.

Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are easy to overlook. They may sit quietly for months or years, but when an emergency happens, you need to know they're ready to alert you and your family.

Test Your Alarms Regularly

Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms should generally be tested once a month using the test button. If an alarm doesn't sound properly, replace the battery and test it again. If it still isn't working, replace the alarm.

A good seasonal habit is to give every alarm in your home a quick check as you prepare for colder weather.

Check the Age of Your Alarms

Batteries aren't the only thing that may need replaced. Smoke alarms themselves don't last forever.

Smoke alarms should generally be replaced every 10 years. Carbon monoxide alarms have manufacturer-specific service lives, often between 5 and 10 years, so check the label or manufacturer's instructions for your particular unit.

Not sure how old yours is? Look for a manufacture date printed on the alarm.

Make Sure You Have Enough Protection

Smoke alarms are generally recommended inside every bedroom, outside each sleeping area and on every level of the home, including the basement.

Homes with fuel-burning appliances, fireplaces or attached garages should also have appropriate carbon monoxide protection.

Don't Ignore the Chirp

That occasional chirping sound isn't just annoying. It can indicate a low battery or that an alarm has reached the end of its useful life. Don't remove the battery simply to silence the detector. Address the reason it's chirping and replace the battery or alarm when necessary.

Make It Part of Your Fall Routine

Preparing your home for fall doesn't have to involve a major project. Sometimes the smallest tasks are among the most important.

As you get ready for another winter season, take a few minutes to walk through your home and test every smoke and carbon monoxide alarm.