Key Maintenance Plan - Tip #7

Smoke Alarm Testing: (sourced various websites)

All smoke detectors and alarms have a test button that, when pushed, causes the alarm to sound. Also, most detectors have either a blinking or a solid light that glows to let you know that the alarm is getting power.

Once a month, get up on a chair or use a broom handle for extra reach and push the test button. If you don't hear anything, then your battery is dead. If after changing the battery, the smoke detector is still not working, immediately replace it with a new one.

While battery operated units have a built-in device that chirps when batteries get low, signaling the need for replacement, common wisdom dictates not waiting until that point. Batteries should be replaced twice a year, once in the spring and once in the fall.

If you don't have the time or you're not comfortable in regularly testing all your smoke alarms (or your carbon monoxide detectors), give us a call (224-300-0672) or schedule a call with My Home Expert by clicking here.