Smoke Alarm Maintenance

1/20/2017 (Permalink)

CHANGE YOUR BATTERIES WHEN YOU CHANGE YOUR CLOCKS!!!

We often forget that we should change the batteries in our smoke detectors often and not wait for the battery to run out of power.

If your home was constructed after July 1, 1995 it is important to remember that your smoke alarms are hard-wired, battery-backup, interconnected alarms (as required by code).  This means that they, too, need to have the batteries changed.  If the batteries in these units haven’t been changed and one battery begins to fail, it will cause not only that unit, but every alarm to sound.

Other maintenance tips include:

• Monthly Testing of all Alarms
• Cleaning, Dusting, Vacuuming of the unit to prevent buildup which could cause it to become non-operational
• If you hear a chirping sound, IMMEDIATELY change the battery.
• If your hard-wire unit begins to chirp, the entire unit needs replacing.

• However, all smoke alarms have a 10-YEAR LIFE. This means that each unit, as it reaches 10 years old, must be replaced to be assured an adequate fire warning system. 

Along with having an operational smoke alarm, you MUST know how to exit your home in the event of a fire.  Practice home fire drills, sleep with bedroom doors closed tightly and be sure to have a designated meeting place.

If you have fire damage in Myrtle Beach call SERVPRO today, 843-236-6278