Published on August 09, 2023
When was the last time you tested the smoke alarms in your home? Did you know it’s recommended to be done at least once a month? “Every second counts when a fire ignites; a smoke detector is your family's first line of defense and early warning. ” Chief Brad Pitassi with the City of Maricopa Fire/Medical Department explains. “Ensure your home is equipped and regularly check the batteries because safeguarding your loved ones begins with a simple beep."
According to the National Fire Protection Association, roughly 3 out of 5 fire deaths happen in homes with no smoke alarms or non-working alarms. “One common mistake we see is that people are not paying attention to the expiration dates on the detectors,” Chief Pitassi adds. “Your smoke detectors need to be replaced ten years after the manufacturing date listed on the back of the device. You can put fresh batteries in an expired detector, and you’ll be getting up at 3:00 am wondering why it is still going off. If your detector is over the 10-year-old mark, just replace it.” How can you make sure your smoke alarms are working? Pick a day - for example, the first Saturday of the month - and test them. Most smoke alarms will have a button on the body of the device, you can hold it until it chirps. When it makes a noise, you will know it’s working. What should you do if your smoke alarm keeps making noise? Change the batteries. The constant chirp many of us find annoying is actually a sign your batteries may be dying. As a precaution, batteries should be changed once a year. If your smoke alarm does not have a replaceable battery, it is time to replace the whole device. When should you replace an entire smoke alarm? If you replace the batteries and the device still makes noise, replace the smoke alarm. The National Fire Protection Association also says devices only have a 10-year lifespan, so replacing them on time is essential. Where should you place smoke alarms? Install smoke alarms in every bedroom. They should also be outside each sleeping area and on every level of the home. Use interconnected smoke alarms when possible, so if one alarm sounds, they all sound. Smoke alarms should be on the ceiling or high on the wall as smoke rises—place detectors at least 10 feet from the stove to limit false alarms. Are there alarm options for individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing? Many alarms on the market can visually light up or flash when the alarm is triggered. In addition, there are vibration notification appliances such as pillow or bed shaker alarms that smoke can activate. Visit the following websites for more information on smoke alarm installation. Smoke Alarm Safety Tips in English Smoke Alarm Safety Tips in Spanish (En Espanol) Smoke Alarm Safety Tips for People who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing Currently, the City of Maricopa Fire/Medical Department cannot assist in placing or replacing smoke detectors. We recommend contacting a qualified handyman for assistance with these tasks.