6 Safety Tips for Smoke Alarms

Have you checked your smoke alarms lately? It truly is a matter of life or death. According to the National Fire Protection Association, missing or non-working smoke alarms are involved in nearly 3 out of 5 fire-related home deaths.

Most homeowners know it’s crucial to have smoke alarms installed correctly. However, it’s even more vital to maintain them, test them regularly, and replace them when necessary. Whether you’ve just moved into a new home or believe your current smoke alarm system is sufficient, it’s always best to be cautious and fully understand these life-saving devices.

New fire codes and updated alarm technology have improved early warning systems, helping families evacuate promptly. Remember, smoke can spread quickly during a fire, so having an escape plan once your detectors go off is essential.

Here are 6 important safety tips to keep in mind:

1. Replace your alarms if they are 10 years old. However, consider updating sooner if possible, as newer devices can better detect different smoke conditions. Your best bet is a dual-sensor smoke detector, which uses photoelectric and ionization technologies to detect both smoldering fires (like from a lit cigarette) and highly combustible fires with high flames. Many devices also have flashing lights when the alarm sounds.
2. Test all of your home’s alarms once a month. Each device has a test button, so perform this check manually. Set a reminder or alert on your phone or calendar to ensure you don’t forget.
3. Change your batteries on all devices simultaneously each year and follow the manufacturer’s directions. We recommend choosing a date in January—a good safety measure (and resolution) for the New Year! If you hear a “chirping” alert from your detector, it means the battery is low, so replace it immediately. Some alarms come with non-replaceable 10-year batteries; if the alarm starts chirping, you’ll need to replace the entire device right away.
4. Install your smoke alarms correctly and hire a professional for help, especially if they are hard-wired. Place a smoke alarm in each bedroom and outside each sleeping area. You should also have one on each level of your home, including the basement and attic. If you have a large home, you’ll need extra alarms. Most fires happen at night or early in the morning, so it’s important to have alarms where you might be unaware of smoke while sleeping. Avoid placing one right in the kitchen to prevent false alarms while cooking (but keep a fire extinguisher nearby!).
5. Get smoke alarms that are interconnected so that when one sounds an alert, they all sound off. Interconnection can be done using hard-wiring or wireless technology. Make sure to use the same manufacturer for each alarm.
6. Stay informed about safety codes and conduct research when looking for new smoke alarms. Understand the different brands and models, and select ones that fit your budget and home requirements. Always purchase a device from a recognized testing laboratory. Follow the manufacturer’s directions for installing, cleaning, testing, and replacing batteries if needed.

It’s important to stay vigilant about the smoke alarms in your home. Ensure everyone in your family understands the sound of the alarm and knows how to exit the home quickly and safely. Every family needs a fire escape plan, and having a smoke alarm is just the first step.