Check Those Smoke Detector Batteries!

12/21/2021 (Permalink)

The holidays are here and with everything going on a lot of us have forgotten a very important thing to check...our smoke detectors. If you haven't done so lately, today is the day to test your smoke detector batteries! 

The U.S Fire Administration (USFA) states that smoke detectors should be checked monthly to ensure there are no malfunctions and that the batteries should be changed at least once or twice a year. Most people have found it easy to remember to do this when daylight savings time occurs. While you’re changing your clocks, go ahead and change your batteries in your smoke detectors. If you missed getting on the time change schedule, just jump on the December/June Schedule. 

Make sure you check your smoke detectors users manual and if any of the following apply, then you may need to check your smoke detectors more often:

• The detector gives a false alarm
• The alarm emits a short beep regularly without anyone touching it
• Frequent kitchen smoke has caused it to activate often, which may cause the batteries to deplete quicker

There are two types of smoke detectors:

1. Battery-Powered- This type can be susceptible to defective or worn-out batteries. Doing monthly testing is critical to ensure that the detector is working properly.
2. Hardwired- This type is powered by your home’s electrical system, but is known to have backup batteries so the device can remain operational in a power outage. This type still requires a monthly test to help ensure that both the batteries and parts are working properly.

If your home isn’t equipped with smoke detectors, then please make sure you visit your local fire department. The fire departments in each community have access to fire safety equipment like smoke detectors and would be glad to make sure your family is safe.