Importance of Maintaining your Smoke Detectors

3/6/2020 (Permalink)

As daylight saving time approaches this weekend it is recommended you check your smoke detector batteries and change them if needed. Smoke alarms that are properly installed and maintained play a vital role in reducing fire deaths and injuries. The following is some information from the NFPA (National Fire Protection Association) on the importance of having and maintaining your smoke detectors.

• A closed door may slow the spread of smoke, heat and fire. Install smoke alarms in every sleeping room and outside each separate sleeping area. Install alarms on every level of the home.
• Smoke alarms should be interconnected. When one sounds, they all sound.
• Large homes may need extra smoke alarms.
• Test your smoke alarms at least once a month. Press the test button to be sure the alarm is working.
• Today’s smoke alarms will be more technologically advanced to respond to a multitude of fire conditions, yet mitigate false alarms.
• When a smoke alarm sounds, get outside and stay outside.
• Replace all smoke alarms in your home every 10 years.

According to the NFPA, in fires which the smoke alarms were present but did not operate, more than two of every five of the smoke alarms had missing or disconnected batteries. This is why it is extremely important to inspect and maintain your smoke detectors.