Time to Check Your Smoke Alarms

3/20/2017 (Permalink)

Spring is the perfect time to check your smoke alarm batteries.

In reported home fires in which the smoke alarms were present but did not operate, almost half (47%) of the smoke alarms had missing or disconnected batteries. Nuisance alarms were the leading reason for disconnected smoke alarms.

Test all smoke alarms at least once a month. Check your manufacturers web site to get more information on the proper testing and function of your smoke alarm.

Most smoke alarms have a test button so you can make sure that the smoke alarm battery is functioning. 

There are two kinds of alarms. Ionization smoke alarms are quicker to warn about flaming fires. Photoelectric alarms are quicker to warn about smoldering fires. It is best to use of both types of alarms in the home.

For more information on smoke alarm safety, you can contact your local Fire Department or organizations such as the National Fire Prevention Association (nfpa.org)