Why Replace Working Batteries in Your Smoke Alarms

2/23/2021 (Permalink)

Replace the batteries of your smoke detector.

Every smoke alarm that you have installed in your home is there to keep you, your family, and your home safe from fire damage. Sadly, a lot of alarms are installed and then mostly forgotten about. Even the very best alarms won't do any good unless the batteries inside are replaced regularly. In fact, there are a few specific steps you should take to keep your home safe:

• Test each alarm in your home at least once a month.
• Change the batteries in all of your alarms twice a year. One good rule of thumb is to change them when you change your time for Daylight Savings.
• Improve your fire evacuation plan, making adjustments for family changes.
• Place fire extinguishers and other safety products in your home as necessary.

These steps can go a long way toward keeping your family safe in the event of a fire.

Why Replace Old Batteries?

Most experts, including the National Fire Protection Association recommend changing your batteries twice a year or every six months. Today, there are many batteries that last longer far longer than six months. Do you still need to replace those batteries? The main thing to remember is that you've installed the smoke detector to protect your family from a house fire. Rather than trying to make your batteries last as long as possible, swap them out every six months and put the older batteries to use in something that you use for fun rather than for safety.

What Good Is the Alarm?

Home fires sometimes happen where you don't see them right away. In the event that a fire breaks out in your home, a working smoke detector may provide the valuable seconds necessary to safely evacuate your family. Under the right circumstances, the alarm may give you time to put the flames out before major damage happens.

When it comes to home and family safety, the smoke alarm may be one of the most important devices in your home. Once you've taken steps to keep your family safely out of harm's way, water and fire damage cleanup and repair professionals can help you get back into your Pocatello, ID, home.