8 Things You Need to Know About Smoke Detectors

Smoke detectors give you an early warning so you and your loved ones can quickly escape a fire. But it’s important to make sure smoke detectors are properly maintained and installed so they can do their job when you need them most.

Smoke Detectors Save Lives

Did you know the National Fire Protection Association says your risk of dying in a fire is cut in half if you have working smoke detectors in your home?  Smoke and fire can spread rapidly. Smoke detectors can alert you before a fire spreads.

Tips for Smoke Detector Safety

You can’t just install a smoke detector and forget about it. You need to check it regularly and replace it on a schedule.

We’ve got 8 tips for you:

1.    Install smoke detectors in every bedroom in your house.

You should also install them outside of each sleeping area.

2.    Make sure you have smoke detectors on every floor of your house.

This includes the basement. Fires can start anywhere in your home.

3.    Test your smoke detectors every month.

Test your smoke detectors so you know if one needs to be replaced or needs a new battery. If you need help testing, let us know.

4.    Connect your smoke detectors.

Ideally, smoke detectors should be interconnected. This means they will all sound if one of them detects smoke. An electrician can interconnect smoke detectors for you.

5.    Mount smoke detectors on the ceiling or high on a wall.

Smoke rises rapidly, so you want the detectors where the smoke goes.

6.    Replace batteries at least twice a year.

A good way to remember is to do it when the times changes. You should also replace batteries if your smoke detector starts making a chirping noise.

7.    Keep smoke detectors at least 10 feet away from your kitchen stove.

This will reduce any false alarms while you’re cooking.

8.    Replace your smoke detectors every 10 years.

Smoke detectors don’t work forever. Older ones can become less sensitive or too sensitive. And on the plus side, newer smoke detectors use more advanced technology.

What Do Smoke Detector Sounds Mean?

Smoke detectors noises mean different things:

●     Three loud beeps: Smoke or fire is detected — get out of your home right away!

●     A chirp every 30 or 60 seconds: It’s time to replace the battery.

Can’t Afford a Smoke Alarm?

If you don’t have smoke detectors or can’t afford them, we will install them free of charge. Contact us at the Stony Point Volunteer Fire Department if you can’t afford smoke detectors or need help testing your smoke detectors.

Source: U.S. Fire Administration