Gorham, NH — November 2 — As the use of home heating increases due to the colder weather, Gorham NH Fire & EMS is reminding locals to test their smoke and carbon monoxide alarms. Officials advise testing alarms once a month and changing batteries if necessary. Additionally, detectors have a predetermined service life of five to seven years for carbon monoxide alarms and up to ten years for smoke alarms. To provide dependable warning, any devices that are approaching or above those limitations should be replaced. Every bedroom and every shared area should have a smoke alarm fitted. Every floor of the house, including the basement, should have a carbon monoxide alarm. Maintaining alarms on a regular basis promotes early detection and keeps homes secure throughout the winter.