Free Battery Exchange

WASHINGTON (WUSA) -- Give your smoke alarm a test run this week, for free.

Your local hardware stores want to keep that life saving device in good working order. Today begins National Fire Prevention Week.

Bring in your old batteries October 4-10, and you'll get new 9 volt alkaline ones. The old batteries will be recycled.

Here are the locations:

Logan Hardware, 1416 P Street NW

Glover Park Hardware, 2251 Wisconsin Avenue NW

Tenley ACE Hardware, 4500 Wisconsin Avenue NW

5th Street ACE Hardware, 1055 5th Street NW

While you're thinking fire safety, the National Fire Prevention Association says you should do three things this month to protect your family.

*Test your extinguishers

*Inspect plugs and wires for damage

*Map out a home evacuation plan