Smoke alarms are your home’s silent guardians—but they need regular care to keep doing their job. Despite being a legal requirement, alarming statistics show that only 45% of homes attended by fire services had smoke alarms—and of those, nearly a third weren’t working.
Keep Your Smoke Alarm in Top Shape
Ensuring your smoke alarms are functional is one of the easiest ways to protect your family.
Here’s how to keep them in working order:
- Test Monthly: Press the test button once a month to make sure the alarm sounds.
- Clean Regularly: Gently vacuum around the alarm with a soft brush attachment to remove dust.
- Change the Battery Annually: Even if it’s not beeping, make battery replacement part of your yearly routine.
Winter is Fire Season
House fires are more common in winter. Make sure your smoke alarms are ready before the colder months begin—it’s a small step that could save lives.
Know When It’s Time to Replace
Smoke alarms don’t last forever. Most have a lifespan of around 10 years, and many come with a use-by date printed on the unit. If your alarm still beeps after a fresh battery change, it’s probably time to replace the whole unit.
- Upgrade to Long-Life Models: New smoke alarms with sealed, long-life batteries last for 10 years and offer reliable peace of mind.
- Don’t Forget Hard-Wired Alarms: These also have backup batteries that need replacing. When the unit itself reaches 10 years, it must be replaced with a new hard-wired smoke alarm—installation that must be done by a licensed electrician.
Final Thought
Your smoke alarm is one of the most important safety devices in your home. Show it a little attention, and it’ll be ready to protect you when it matters most.
Need help checking or replacing your smoke alarms? Get in touch with our licensed team today.