Normally I would wait until October to post a reminder for Fire Safety but when I hear about a story like the one below, I can't hold back.
I know how this happens. The smoke or Co2 alarm starts beeping and you don't have time to mess with it so you pull it down and pull the batteries to make it stop. I have clients and tenants who have taped over or put the alarms in the freezer to stop the noise and weeks later they call me to help fix it.
Consider these steps:
- Find batteries within the same day and or replace the alarm and get the alarm working again.
- Look at the date on the back of the alarm showing when it was made. Replace it - if it is a smoke alarm and it is older than 10 yrs. Replace it if it is a Co2 alarm and it is 5 yrs or older. This is the general guideline I follow. The unit still works but is less sensitive once it goes past the deadline unless it is marked on the package. (I've seen smoke and Co2 combos that warranty for 10 yrs).
- If your alarm does not have a date on it, then it is at least 15 yrs old or older. (Within the last 10 years they have started printing the dates on the alarms). The alarms function with a part that is radioactive that fades over time and accumulation of dust can make the alarm less effective.
- If you have no idea how old your alarm(s) are. Take a look at them today!
- Make sure you have a smoke alarm in or at the entrance to all bedrooms.
- Smoke and Co2 alarms are so inexpensive now. I found a Smoke alarm last week with a 10 yr battery for $17.
- If your alarm has a serviceable battery, pick the first or second Time Change and replace the battery every year on that date.
- Keep yourself and your family safe by talking about what to do in cases of a fire or emergency.
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