Smoke Detector Maintenance Every Cobb County Household Should Perform | SERVPRO of East Cobb

5/17/2021 (Permalink)

Make sure to test your smoke detectors twice a year and replace the batteries as soon as you hear a the first warning chirp.

Installing smoke detectors throughout your Cobb County home is one of the best things you can do to reduce your chances of getting injured or killed in a house fire, but many people wrongfully assume that smoke detectors are a “set it and forget it” device. House fires spread more quickly than they used to due to the materials used in modern furnishings, but working smoke detectors can quickly alert you and your family to the problem so you can get to safety quickly.

Maintaining your household smoke detectors is a quick and easy way to increase the overall safety of your household. Malfunctioning smoke detectors cost people their lives every year, but taking the right steps to keep yours working can make all the difference.

Tips for Smoke Detector Maintenance in Your Household

1. Make Sure You Have Enough Installed - Fire safety guidelines recommend having smoke detectors installed on every floor of the home, in the kitchen, in every living space and outside every bedroom so you can be alerted to smoke no matter where you are in the home. If you are installing smoke detectors in a new home, it is best to choose a system that is interconnected so that when one sounds, they are all triggered.
2. Make Sure You Do Monthly Tests - While most smoke detectors made in recent years have an indicator light to show they are operational, it is best to test your units monthly just to be sure. Always use the unit’s test button, and never attempt to test the smoke alarms by holding a lit candle or other source of fire up to the unit.
3. Replace Them On Schedule - Even if your smoke alarms appear to be working just fine each month, most manufacturers recommend that you replace the unit entirely every 10 years. This prevents the smoke alarm from having malfunctioning components that make the unit less accurate. Ideally, your smoke detector should have the install date written on it, but if you are not sure, it is best to go ahead and replace them just in case.

If you have experienced fire damage in your Cobb County home, you can count on SERVPRO of East Cobb for all your fire restoration needs. We professionally clean and mitigate damage from fire, smoke, soot and so much more. Contact us today at (770) 424-0400 or to learn more or report non-emergency damages to us 24/7 click here.