Things You Should Know About Smoke Alarms

Smoke alarms are critical in an emergency situation. Since January 1st, 2022 all non-complying smoke alarms must be upgraded to meet new legislation.

Having compliant smoke alarms can prevent a fatal accident and save your life.

Why are smoke alarms important?

Properly installed and maintained smoke alarms are considered to be the best warning of a potentially deadly firesand could reduce by almost half the risk of dying from a fire in your home.

Smoke alarms are necessary to alert building occupants of a fire, allowing them to evacuate.

Smoke detectors will automatically detect and warn you of the presence of smoke and can save your life in the event of a fire.

If there is a fire, the siren of these devices will warn you giving you enough time to check the problem or evacuate.

Smoke detectors can help firemen to locate the fire quicker in the event of a fire or emergency.

How can I check my smoke alarms?

You should test your smoke alarms once a month to check if it is time for a smoke alarm upgrade.

To test your smoke alarms:

1. Check that the light on the cover flashes. It should flash at least once every 60 seconds.
2. Press and hold the ‘test’ button on the face of the smoke alarm until the alarm sounds, and then release it. The other alarms in your home should also sound as they are interconnected.
3. The smoke alarm will stop sounding when the ‘test’ button is released. The alarm will then ‘chirp’ at regular intervals until the battery has been recharged again.
4. Repeat steps 1 and 2 to test each smoke alarm on the property.

If you press the ‘test’ button and it doesn’t make a beeping sound or activate all the alarms on the property, call your maintenance number.

How can I maintain the smoke alarms?

1. Every month: Smoke alarms should be tested (by pressing the test button) to ensure the battery and the alarm work.
2. Every six months: Smoke alarms should be cleaned with a vacuum cleaner. This will remove any dust or particles that could prevent the smoke alarm from working properly.
3. Once a year: If your smoke alarm has a battery, you should replace it annually. A good way to remember is to change it when you change your clocks at the end of Daylight Saving. If your smoke alarm uses a lithium battery, it is inbuilt into the alarm and cannot be replaced. The entire unit needs to be replaced every 10 years.
4. Every 10 years: Replace your smoke alarm. Smoke alarms do not last forever and the sensitivity in all smoke alarms will reduce over time. All types of smoke alarms should be removed, replaced and disposed of at least every 10 years.

Don’t put yourself, your family or tenants at risk and upgrade your smoke alarms this year. Safety is first and you can prevent fatal accidents with the right smoke detectors.