Smoke alarms are needed in every home to help prevent injuries and deaths from fires. However, just having one installed isn’t sufficient. They need to be tested regularly to ensure they are working properly. Smoke detectors should be tested once per month to avoid fire and water damage in Springfield Missouri.
Let Everyone Know Smoke Detectors are Being Tested
Before testing any smoke alarms, make sure to let those in the home know so they won’t be startled. If the smoke alarm is connected to the home security system, let your security company know as well to ensure they don’t think it is a real alarm.
Check to Ensure Smoke Detectors Can be Heard Across the Home
Before testing, ask someone in your home to stand in a room as far from the alarm being tested as possible. Do this for each alarm to ensure they can all be heard across the home. It’s also a good idea to have someone stand outside to see if the alarm can be heard in the yard as well.
Trigger the Test Alarm To Ensure it Functions
Once everyone is in position, use a ladder and press the test button. It may need to be pressed for a few seconds to alarm. If the alarm doesn’t turn on or is quiet, it may be due to a lack of power. Replace the batteries or contact an electrician for help. This could also be a sign of malfunction, which will mean the alarm needs to be replaced. Some will automatically shut off after a few seconds, but you may have to push the button to stop the alarm.
Check That Smoke Detector Sensors are Functional
While the test button does allow you to see if the alarm is loud enough and working properly, it’s also important to check the sensors. Do this by using an aerosol smoke alarm tester. Spray the tester towards the alarm, and it should sound after just a few seconds. If it doesn’t go off, the smoke alarm may not be functioning properly.
Replace Alarms If Anything Doesn’t Work Properly
If the smoke detector is malfunctioning in any of the above tests, it needs to be replaced. It should be replaced immediately to ensure that it will work in the future if there ever is a fire in the home. Depending on your home, replacements can be battery-operated or hard-wired. Either option should work fine, as long as it is a quality smoke alarm and it does work properly when tested.
Also Install A Carbon Monoxide Detector
Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless, tasteless and toxic gas produced as a by-product of combustion. A malfunctioning gas furnace or water heater might not cause a fire to trigger your smoke alarm, but it can still cause deadly carbon monoxide poisoning.
Replace Fire Alarms Every 10 Years
Even if the smoke detector functions properly during all tests, it should be replaced after 10 years. Though it may still work well for now, they are more likely to stop working after they are around 10 years old. The batteries in the smoke alarm, whether it’s battery-operated or just for a backup if the power goes out, should be replaced at least once per year.
A working fire alarm can help ensure you and your family are safe if there ever is a fire in your home. If you ever experience fire and water damage, call the professionals at PuroClean Certified Restoration for fire damage repair in Springfield, Missouri. We’ll get your family’s life back to normal as soon as possible.