Regularly checking smoke alarms is a basic part of home and building maintenance that will help keep your home or business safe. Smoke detector checks are a necessary and effective way to protect your building and the people in it from smoke and fire emergencies, and it doesn't take a lot of effort to keep yours working properly. Use the tips below to ensure your smoke detectors are up to snuff. In a true fire emergency, working smoke detectors could mean the difference between life and death. Check your smoke detectors today to keep your home or business as safe as possible.
WHY CHECK SMOKE DETECTORS?
There aren't many items in your home or office that can actually save lives in a fire emergency, but smoke alarms are one of them. In fact, residential fires are more than twice as likely to turn deadly in homes without working smoke detectors, according to the National Fire Prevention Association. Providing as much time as possible to escape the premises is of paramount importance during a fire, whether it's a large commercial facility that takes extra time to evacuate or a small family home full of people who are fast asleep. In a fire emergency, working smoke alarms offer a critical early warning that can directly impact the survival of the people you care about.
TIPS ON CHECKING SMOKE ALARMS
While smoke detector technology is more advanced and reliable than ever, it's still important to inspect and test yours regularly. Follow these tips from us, the experts, to conduct a proper smoke detector check in your home or office. Enjoy everyday peace of mind knowing that you'll have essential, life-saving support when you need it most.
- Test monthly. Check every smoke alarm in the building at least once a month using the integrated test button.
- Change the batteries. If your smoke detectors include a removable battery, replace it at least once a year. Don't wait until your alarms start chirping to install fresh batteries. Set a reminder, and always stay protected.
- Replace alarms every 10 years. Replace the entire smoke detector apparatus every 10 years to ensure you have the latest technology and best protection available. Non-removable lithium batteries only have a 10-year guarantee, so even "long-life" smoke alarms need to be replaced after 10 years.
- Be in compliance. The NFPA maintains fire prevention codes and requirements for all types of occupancies. Explore the National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code and the Life Safety Code from NFPA to ensure you have the latest information and are in compliance.
- Follow the instructions. The manufacturer of your smoke detectors will provide model-specific instructions for maintaining and checking the smoke alarms in your home or business. Keep all documentation so you can refer to it as needed.
A fire can wreak havoc on any home or business. While the remediation professionals at ServiceMaster Restoration Services are here to help you recover from smoke or fire damage to your home or business, it's up to you to ensure the proper safety procedures and equipment are in place to keep your family and co-workers safe in the midst of an emergency. Checking smoke alarms regularly and correctly is a critical, simple measure you can take to help save lives should the unexpected occur.
