Why You Should Do a Yearly Test of Smoke Detectors

Why You Should Do a Yearly Test of Smoke Detectors

What if I told you that your home is not as safe as it could be? What if I told you that there are a few things you can do to make sure your family’s safety is optimized? There are many ways to check the safety of your home, like checking smoke detectors.

A smoke detector is a device that detects the presence of smoke, typically as an indicator of fire. You should get your battery on your smoke detector tested yearly to ensure it’s working correctly and safe for you and your family.

I don’t know about you, but I’m guilty of forgetting to change the batteries in my smoke detectors. It’s not that they’re hard to do, it’s just that sometimes I get busy and forget. But what if one day, a detector doesn’t go off when there’s a fire? What if you or your family are asleep and can’t escape? This blog post will show you how to check the battery on your smoke detector and the whole life saving device itself!

How Often And How To Test It?

The smoke detector in your home should be tested at least once a month and batteries replaced every six months.

It’s easy to get distracted and forget that it is your responsibility to make sure your family is safe, but this doesn’t have to be the case. With a few simple steps you can ensure any home has up-to-date smoke detectors with fresh batteries – just follow these quick tips! Every month test each detector by pressing its button; if there isn’t an alarm sound within 10 seconds then replace the battery or disconnect from the power source for testing. Twice yearly completely unplug (not disconnected) all devices before changing out their batteries as well as replacing old ones in every unit of time throughout the year when they are likely due again such at the end of November and beginning March.

Smoke detectors may need to be checked more often if you have one of the following:

-A detector that frequently gives false alarms,

-The alarm emits short beeps regularly without anyone touching it, or

Frequent kitchen smoke has caused your detector to activate. If so this could wear down the device and make sure these are taken care of as soon as possible!

There are two main types of smoke detectors, according to the USFA.

  • Battery-powered: This type can be susceptible to defective or worn-out batteries. Monthly testing is critical in order for you and your loved ones stay safe from potential hazards that may arise such as a power outage which could result in an inability for the device’s alarm system to go off should there ever be any sort of fire emergency happening within your home during nighttime hours when all we have left are our senses with nothing but darkness beyond them.
  • Hardwired: These devices require monthly upkeep by testings both its battery life (due diligence) and ensuring it functions properly by being unresponsive due time lapses on account if prolonged periods without use where parts might start wearing

Your smoke detectors should be replaced every 10 years to maintain the highest level of protection. If you’ve performed regular maintenance, and your device is still functional after this time period, it’s a good idea to replace the detector before reaching its normal life span because technology has improved over recent decades and new models may provide more protection than older versions with outdated features.

It may seem like a hassle, but checking your smoke detectors regularly is the best way to make sure they’re in working order. Remember that once you install them, it’s up to YOU to maintain their safety. If you have any questions about how this process works or need help installing one of these devices for yourself and your family members, contact Control Fire Protection today!