How to Test Your Fire and Smoke Alarms

1/10/2023 (Permalink)

How to Test Your Fire and Smoke Alarms

A smoke alarm is one of the most important detectors in your Keystone, FL home. It can alert you to a fire and provide enough time for you to escape safely, but only if it's working properly. Smoke alarms have a limited lifespan, so it's important to test them on a regular basis.

Press and hold the test button for five seconds.

• Press the test button on your alarm and hold it for five seconds.
• The test button is usually located on the back of the alarm.
• If you hear a chirping sound, it means that your alarm is working properly. If you don't hear a chirping sound, then there's a problem with your smoke or fire alarm and you should call an electrician to check it out right away.

If both the smoke alarm and carbon monoxide alarm do not sound, change your batteries immediately.

If both the smoke alarm and carbon monoxide alarm do not sound, change your batteries immediately. By law, all smoke alarms should be replaced at least once every ten years. If you find that you have trouble hearing the low-battery chirping of your smoke detector, it's best to make sure that a new unit is installed with an access panel in the back for easy battery replacement. It's also important that you test your carbon monoxide (CO) detector monthly by pressing the "test" button.

Be sure that the smoke alarm is free of dust and debris. After you've cleaned it, test it again.

• If you have a vacuum cleaner, use it to clean the smoke alarm.
• Wipe the alarm with a damp cloth to remove dust and debris.
• Test your smoke alarm again after cleaning it to ensure that it's working properly.

Replace your smoke alarms after 10 years—or sooner if they don't work properly when tested.

To ensure that you and your family are protected, it is important to test the smoke alarms in your Keystone, FL home at least once a month. However, if you have an older model of smoke alarm that does not have an end-of-life warning label or does not have an "A" or "B" on the label, be sure to replace it as soon as possible.

Smoke alarms with an “A” or “B” on their label will function normally for 10 years from their date of manufacture. Smoke alarms without an “A” or “B” on their label require replacement after only five years.

If your smoke alarm does not work when tested: Replace it immediately!

It is also important to replace all carbon monoxide (CO) carbon monoxide detectors after 7-10 years.

In summary, the best way to test your fire and smoke alarms is by pressing the test button on them. This will make sure they still work in case of an emergency and makes sure they are not being affected by dust or any other objects that may be present around them. If you have any questions about this process, then please contact us!