6 Safety Tips for Smoke Alarms

Have you checked your smoke alarms lately?  Since Fall Daylight Savings Time reset is coming up on Sunday, it’s a great reminder to check smoke alarms.

Smoke alarms that are missing or not working play a role in nearly 3 out of 5 fire-related home deaths (Dang! That’s a lot!), according to the National Fire Protection Association.

Most people know that it’s important to have smoke detectors installed, but we sometimes forget it’s even more important to make sure they are working. We need to replace the batteries, test them, and replace them at least every 10 years.

Whether you’ve just moved in or think you are all set with the smoke alarm system you’ve had for a while, it’s always best to check and be sure these devices are working.

Here are 6 important safety tips to keep in mind:

1. Replace your alarms if they are 10 years old.  If you don’t know how old they are, replace them! If they are yellow, replace them. In addition, consider replacing sooner since devices are more advanced now and can better detect different smoke conditions.

Your best bet is a dual sensor smoke detector, that uses photoelectric and ionization technologies that can quickly pick up both smoldering fires (like from a lit cigarette) and highly combustible fires with high flames.  And many devices also have flashing lights when the alarm sounds.

Costco and Amazon sell affordable 4 packs. Costco 4-pack $79  Amazon 4-pack combo CO and smoke detectors $65

2. Test all of your home’s alarms once a month. There is a test button on each device so do this manually. I’m not sure who really does this on purpose, but I tend to test my smoke alarms regularly by burning something in the kitchen. Try it!

3. Change your batteries on all devices at the same time each year and make sure you follow the manufacturer’s directions.

I recommend doing this at Daylight Savings Time this weekend and stick with it every year! And if you hear a “chirping” alert from your detector, it means your battery is low so replace immediately. You can’t wait. Not only will you be unsafe, but the chirping will drive you out of your mind.

Always refer to the manufacturer’s guide and follow the instructions when replacing your smoke alarm’s batteries. Some require a particular type of battery to work properly.

Keep in mind that some of the newer alarms come with non-replaceable 10-year batteries and should be effective for that time period. You won’t be replacing batteries every year on these models, however you should be testing them every year. If the alarm starts chirping, it means the battery is low and 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.  There should be a smoke alarm in each bedroom, and outside each sleeping area. You should also have one on each level of your home, including your basement and attic. If you have a large home, you’ll need many alarms. Try not to install one right in your kitchen so it doesn’t go off while cooking (but keep a fire extinguisher nearby!).

QUIZ: if you have 3 bedrooms on the upper level, and 1 bedroom on the main level and a basement with no bedrooms, how many smoke alarms will you need?

5. If possible, 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 you use the same manufacturer for each alarm.

6. Stay informed about safety codes and conduct research when looking for new smoke alarms. You should understand the different brands and models and select ones that work with your budget and the requirements in your home. Always purchase a device from a recognized testing laboratory.  Make sure you follow the manufacturer’s directions for installing, cleaning, testing, and replacing batteries if needed.

What if I’m a renter? Whether you are a homeowner or a renter, you should check that you have all the smoke detectors you should AND that they work. If you are renter and anything needs attention, let your landlord know right away. You are in a much better position to check the smoke detectors than they are. Take charge of your safety.

As you can see, it’s important to stay vigilant when it comes to the smoke alarms in your home. And please make sure everyone in your family understands the sound of the alarm and what they need to do to exit your home quickly and safely. Every family needs a fire escape plan – and having a smoke alarm is just the first step.

BTW – the answer to the quiz question above is 7 smoke alarms. Upper level = 4: 3 in each bedroom + 1 outside the sleeping area. No additional detector needed since there is a detector on the level. Main level = 2:  1 in the bedroom + 1 outside the sleeping area. No additional detectors needed. Basement = 1. Just one needed on the level since there are no sleeping areas. 4+2+1=7