Non-Working Smoke Detectors
The Consumer Product Safety Commission survey has found that smoke detectors in approximately 16 million households in the United States are not working, mostly because the battery is dead or missing. Only working smoke detectors can save lives!
Long-life smoke alarms, with a 10-year battery life, have been on the market since 1995. These are UL-listed for their intended use. Even these smoke detectors need to be tested on a regular basis. The following recommendations should be followed to provide the minimum level of safety:
- A UL-listed smoke detector should be installed in the following areas:
- Outside of all sleeping areas
- Inside bedrooms
- On every level of the house near the staircases
- Smoke detectors should be tested once a month by pushing the test button.
- The batteries should be replaced every 6 months. The SCS Fire Prevention Bureau recommends that you change your batteries when you change your clocks.
- The standard life expectancy of a smoke detector is 10 years. At this time, replace the old detector with a new detector.