Daylight Savings Time…a Good Time to Check Alarms

The life expectancy of smoke alarms is generally 8-10 years, after which their sensors can lose sensitivity. The test button only confirms that the battery, electronics, and alert system are working; it doesn’t mean the smoke sensor is working. Over time, dust gathers in detectors, which diminishes sensitivity. You can test sensors using an aerosol can of smoke alarm test spray that simulates smoke. Both hard-wired and battery-operated detectors need to be checked and replaced as needed.

If your alarms are over ten years old, why take a chance? It’s recommended that you replace all detectors at the same time to ensure that you’re using up-to-date technology throughout your home. It’s also easier to track when it’s time to replace them.

Most fatal fires occur at night. Thousands of lives are saved yearly simply because people have working smoke detectors to alert them. Working smoke detectors decrease the risk of dying in a house fire by nearly 50%. Many fire deaths are caused by inhaling the toxic smoke and gases emitted in the states of a fire so that early warning can make all the difference between life and death.

Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless gas produced whenever fuel, oil, kerosene, wood, or charcoal is burned. Exposure to CO can produce headaches, dizziness, nausea, and fainting, and at high levels, it can cause unconsciousness and death. Hundreds of people die accidentally each year from CO poisoning caused by malfunctioning or improperly used fuel-burning appliances (EPA data). Therefore, knowing the symptoms and having an alarm to alert you to a CO buildup can be the difference in saving lives.

Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Alarm Details

Smoke alarm and carbon monoxide detector requirements can vary from town to town, so it’s a good idea to check with your local fire department regarding local regulations for fire and smoke detector placement and type. Every home needs working smoke alarms to provide an early warning.

Smoke Alarms should be installed in all bedrooms, hallways that lead to sleeping areas, basements, and each additional level of your home. Generally, smoke alarms should be mounted on the ceiling 4” from the wall; wall mounts should be 4-12” from the ceiling. Do not install near windows, vents, or other draft areas.

Carbon Monoxide Detector Alarms must be located on every level of a home or dwelling unit, including habitable basements and attics. On levels with sleeping areas, the alarms must be placed within 10 feet of the bedroom doors.

• Take This Quiz: Are You Failing to Protect Your Family From a Fire?
• Smoke Alarms Save Lives
• Massachusetts Carbon Monoxide Alarm Requirements
• Carbon Monoxide Safety

Prepare and Practice Your Escape Plan

How would you get out of your home if a fire were to occur? You should have an evacuation plan with at least two escape routes. Ensure that everyone in your family knows the routes and practices to crawl low under smoke. Determine where to meet outside so you’ll know everyone is out.

Fire Officials also Recommend the Following:

• Testing smoke alarms monthly by pushing the ‘test’ button, which activates the alarm.
• Installing fire extinguishers in or near the kitchen.
• Preventative house cleaning to reduce or eliminate fire hazards.