From Bill Ellis:
In case you were not aware smoke alarms are only good for 10 years. If you are not sure of the date of your smoke detector – remove the alarm from the base and look for the manufacturer date on the back of the alarm.
Many are not aware just how old their smoke alarms are. I recently checked mine and found they are now 18 years old and well past their operating life.
Also, I checked two and only one still operated. If you haven’t recently done so, I would suggest you consider replacing them soon. Statistics show that you are four times more likely to die in a house fire if you don’t have working smoke alarms.
When testing smoke alarms the test button only tests the battery not the ability of the unit to detect smoke. The only way I know to test an alarm is to subject it to smoke.
In your best interest, do it now. Cost varies depending on the type purchased, however, new ones are sealed and do not require battery replacement every six months.
With regard to carbon monoxide detectors, they are not required under the code but are recommeded for all households. They should be placed as near to the garage as possible.
The Deputy Fire Marshal, Jennifer Campbell, provided the helpful guide shown above.
From Phil Campbell:
I had this problem last year and found a local company run by an Estero firefighter who came in and installed and rewired all my smoke detectors with a 10 year battery. I have his card somewhere if you are interested in passing it along. He also will give a seminar at a meeting of you want. Very reasonable too.
P. S. He played for the Everblades before he became a fireman
From Bill Ellis:
In case you were not aware smoke alarms are only good for 10 years. If you are not sure of the date of your smoke detector – remove the alarm from the base and look for the manufacturer date on the back of the alarm.
Many are not aware just how old their smoke alarms are. I recently checked mine and found they are now 18 years old and well past their operating life.
Also, I checked two and only one still operated. If you haven’t recently done so, I would suggest you consider replacing them soon. Statistics show that you are four times more likely to die in a house fire if you don’t have working smoke alarms.
When testing smoke alarms the test button only tests the battery not the ability of the unit to detect smoke. The only way I know to test an alarm is to subject it to smoke.
In your best interest, do it now. Cost varies depending on the type purchased, however, new ones are sealed and do not require battery replacement every six months.
With regard to carbon monoxide detectors, they are not required under the code but are recommeded for all households. They should be placed as near to the garage as possible.
The Deputy Fire Marshal, Jennifer Campbell, provided the helpful guide shown above.
From Phil Campbell:
I had this problem last year and found a local company run by an Estero firefighter who came in and installed and rewired all my smoke detectors with a 10 year battery. I have his card somewhere if you are interested in passing it along. He also will give a seminar at a meeting of you want. Very reasonable too.
P. S. He played for the Everblades before he became a fireman
From Jorge Olondo:
Should replacement smoke detectors be hard wired with battery back up?