Test Your Smoke Alarms

7/10/2019 (Permalink)

When is the last time you tested your smoke alarms?

According to the U.S. Fire Administration, smoke alarms powered by a nine-volt battery and smoke alarms wired into an electrical system should be tested monthly, keeping in mind that batteries should be replaced yearly and the entire smoke alarm should be replaced every 10 years. Smoke alarms containing a lithium battery should also be tested monthly, but since lithium batteries should not be replaced, the entire alarm should be replaced according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

There are two basic types of smoke alarms: photoelectric and ionization. They each detect different types of fires, so it is recommended to have either both in each room or a single smoke alarm in each room that detects both photoelectric and ionization smoke, also known as a dual sensor smoke alarm.

Set reminders to remember to keep you smoke alarms updated!