How to Test Your Smoke Alarm at Home
There are around 37,000 house fires in the UK every year and unfortunately, despite the efforts of the fire and rescue service, some cases lead to fatalities and injuries. This shows just how important it is to frequently test your smoke alarms, whether it be at home or in your business building.
Having your smoke alarm properly installed and checked regularly is the most important way to ensure safety of yourself, family, and friends. It will give you and others the chance to react and proceed with care and safety.
How do You Test it?
Start with the basics; how do you test it? It’s very simple, all you need to do is locate the button labelled ‘test’ on the device. Press it and hold, if the smoke detector is working then the alarm will sound alongside any other smoke detectors located and linked in the building.
How Often Should You Test Your Smoke Alarm?
Depending on the manufacturer, the amount you are recommended to test your alarm varies. However, in general, most professionals recommend testing it every week if possible and to be on the safe side.
Setting a recurring reminder on your phone can be a good way to try and remember to check and it won’t take more than 5 minutes of your time. It can also be worth looking out for any elderly or physically imapired friends or relatives that could be of assistance as the process may not be as easy for them.
How Do You Change the Smoke Alarm Battery?
A lot of modern smoke alarms will alert you if the device is in need of a new battery – it usually sounds like a chirping noise, however, this isn’t always the case. It’s best practice to change your battery at least once a year and some even change it twice. A good friendly reminder is to do so when the clocks change.
Most smoke alarms last for around 10 years, this means you’ll need to buy a new one to ensure your continued safety.
To change the battery:
- Remove the cover off the smoke alarm
- Take out the old battery from it’s holder
- Insert the new battery
- Put the cover back
- Retry the test precautions by pressing and holding the ‘test’ button.
Always remember to replace the old battery with a new one and don’t leave the device without one as it can be incredibly dangerous to both yourself and others.
In Conclusion
If you are in doubt about anything regarding your smoke or electrical alarms, be sure to contact a professional like AC Gold, who will be glad to help you and ensure your safety.
Oftentimes a lot of people disregard frequently checking their smoke alarm, however, don’t wait until your sign to do so, take all the precautions and look after your hard earned home and loving family and friends.
Be sure to frequently (once a week) test the alarm via the ‘test’ button, replace the battery (once or twice a year) and be sure to listen for the constant squeaky beep indicating that the battery is nearly drained.
