Did you know that Working Smoke Detectors Save Lives!
Roughly two-thirds of home fire deaths happen in homes with, either no smoke alarms or no smoke alarms that work.
Choosing your Alarms
- Make sure the smoke alarm has the label of a recognized testing laboratory.
- Alarms that run on household current (even if they include battery backup) require installation by a qualified electrician.
- Alarms that run on just batteries can be installed by anyone.
- Smoke alarms that include a recordable voice announcement in addition to the usual alarm sound may be helpful in walking children through the use of a familiar voice.
- Smoke alarms that also use strobe lights are available for people who are deaf or hard of hearing. Vibration equipment (to shake the bed and wake the person) can be added to these alarms.
Maintaining your Alarms
- Always save and follow the alarm manufacturer's instructions for testing and maintenance.
- Test alarms at least once a month by pushing the test button.
- Smoke alarms with non-replaceable batteries are designed to work for 10 years. If the alarm chirps, warning that the battery is low, replace the entire alarm.
- For smoke alarms with any other battery, replace batteries at least once a year. If the alarm chirps, replce the battery right away.
- Replace all smoke alarms when they are 10 years old, or sooner if they do not respond properly when tested.