24/7 Emergency ServiceTesting Smoke Alarms and Changing Batteries-Warwick
1/28/2020 (Permalink)
Photo: https://www.homestructions.com/electric/smoke-detector-check-test-your-smoke-alarm/
Have you tested your smoke alarms yet this month? Now’s the time if you haven’t already!
You should test your smoke alarms at least once a month, and batteries should be replaced at least once a year.
- A good way to remind yourself to change the fire alarm batteries is to change them when you change your clocks for daylight savings time.
There are two common types of smoke detectors found in homes:
Battery- powered: monthly testing is crucial with these kinds of detectors. They are susceptible to worn out batteries.
Hardwired: These are powered by your homes electrical system. But they will usually have back-up batteries just in case of an outage. These type of detectors still need to be tested monthly to be sure they are functional.
When you’re testing your detectors:
- Be sure everyone is aware
- Have a family member stand at the furthest point away from the alarm. This is to ensure it can be heard from any point in the home.
- Press and hold the test button, it may take a few seconds to kick on, but a very loud chirping sound will emit once it’s engaged.
Signs you need to replace the batteries: a high pitched chirping noise will be coming from your alarm if the batteries need to be replaced. It’s best to be proactive and change the batteries before they get to this point. If the batteries are no longer good, they wont be able to do their job.
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