If your smoke detector is hardwired to a monitored security system, be sure to notify the security system’s company that you are performing a test before you test the alarm. You don’t want the fire department showing up at your door!
Ask them to stand in the room farthest away from the detector when you are testing it. They may also try standing outside the house to see if it is possible to hear it from outside.
When you push the test button, the alarm should sound. If it doesn’t, you know that your detector is not receiving power. You may need to replace the batteries, or call an electrician to check the wiring if your detector is hardwired. You can stand on a chair or ladder to reach the alarm with your hand, or you can use a broom handle to push the button. Some detectors will turn off on their own after a few seconds, while others may be turned off by pushing the test button again. Some smoke alarms go into a “programming mode” if you hold the button for more than a second or two. If that happens, just wait a minute for it to return to normal and then press the test button BRIEFLY.
Follow the directions as stated on the can. You can usually purchase these for a few dollars in a hardware or home improvement store. To turn off the alarm after testing, you can use a small hand-held vacuum to suck the test material away from the detector. Some detectors may also have a “silence” button that you can push to stop the alarm. Avoid waiting for the detector turn off on its own, as this may drain the battery.
Be sure to keep the matches a few feet away from the detector, otherwise you risk melting or damaging it. As with the aerosol, you can use a vacuum to suck the smoke away from the detector, or push the silence button if your detector has one. Use of actual smoke may temporarily reduce the effectiveness of the sensors and is generally not recommended by professionals.
Checking your alarm often means you are likely to catch a malfunctioning detector quickly; thus, you are more likely to have a properly functioning detector when you need it. Setting aside 30 minutes to an hour once each month to check each detector all at once will be more efficient than checking each alarm at different intervals.
If you aren’t sure how old your smoke detector is, you can usually find out by removing the unit from the ceiling, and looking on the back. The date of manufacture is typically printed on it. If you can’t find the date on the unit, then replace it. Some smoke alarms now incorporate automatic warnings when they have reached the end of their useful life – typically chirping, similar to a weak battery warning, but with other indications as well. Replace such units immediately. If your smoke detectors are hardwired, be sure to shut off the electricity in your home before installing a new one. Alternatively, have a professional electrician install the unit for your own safety. Even hardwired smoke alarms with a plastic plug for their wires often come with instructions to turn off the electricity before working on the wiring. It’s possible to have a wire come loose while handling the plug, creating an electrical danger.
Don’t use cleaners on the unit as these may contaminate the sensors. Vacuuming or wiping away dust should be sufficient.
Resist the temptation to take the batteries out of your smoke detector when the batteries in your TV remote run out. People often do this, and then forget to replace the detector batteries. Recycle old batteries appropriately. Never dispose of old batteries in the household trash unless they are regular alkaline, manganese, and carbon-zinc batteries, which are not considered “hazardous waste”. You might want to get in the habit of changing your batteries when you change the clocks for daylight savings time. This will help you remember when you need to change the batteries, even if batteries might last well over one year. Regular maintenance is key to your smoke alarm safety.
Make sure that you have at least two working escape routes out of every room. If you have a second floor, consider getting a life safety ladder that can hang from your windows. Include a meeting point outside of the home where everyone will go in the event of a fire. For example, to the neighbor’s drive-way. Mark this location on your escape plan. Assign one person who will be responsible for helping anyone who would not be able to get out of the home on their own. For example, if you have a baby, young toddler, or an elderly family member. Make sure this person knows that it is their responsibility. If you have young children, post the fire exit plan in their room to help them remember what the plan is. Make sure visitors know about your escape plans.
For example, if someone notices a fire they should yell or pound on the walls to alert other members of the household. Instruct family members to feel doors before opening them. If the door is hot, they should use an alternative route as specified in the fire exit plan. Explain that if there is heavy smoke, household members should crawl on the floor to avoid the heat and to reduce smoke inhalation.
For example, don’t allow a tall, heavy dresser to block the window. If a fire happens, you or your loved one may not be strong enough to push it out of the way in time.
Try to do this when everyone is home. Everyone should understand that they are not to try and bring belongings with them. Once they have exited the home no one is to re-enter the home under any circumstances, unless officially authorized.
Install a smoke detector on every level of your home, including the basement and the attic, if your home has these. Be aware that some smoke alarms are not designed for use at “low temperatures” that may be found in an attic. Install a smoke detector in each sleeping room. In addition, install smoke alarms outside of every sleeping room.
