Tips from a Vancouver Fire Alarms Systems and Fire Safety Inspection Company in BC Canada
There’s no doubt about it, smoke detectors save lives. But smoke alarms can only save lives when they’re properly maintained and kept in good working order.
When a smoke detector hasn’t been kept clean, there’s a chance that it will not go off when it’s supposed to, which is why it’s important to regularly clean and maintain your smoke detectors.
Read on to learn some tips from a Fire Safety Company in Vancouver, which will help you to properly care for your smoke detectors, as well as how you should be prepared in case a fire were ever to break out.
Smoke Detector Maintenance Tips
Smoke alarms are an extremely important part of home safety. This is because these devices automatically detect and warn you when smoke is a present in a room.
Sometimes, it’s easy to forget the importance of testing your smoke detectors on a regular basis. But making sure that your fire-protection devices are in good working order could save you and your family’s lives in the event of a fire.
It’s also important to note that smoke detectors don’t only need proper maintenance, but you must also make sure that they’re installed correctly.
To make sure that your fire-protection devices are in good working order, it’s important to clean and test them on a regular basis. Below, are a few tips on maintaining your smoke detectors.
Always remember that smoke detectors are vital when it comes to keeping you and your family safe. Companies such as Bartec Fire Safety Systems can help you install and position your smoke detectors in your to make sure that they offer you the best coverage.
Testing Your Smoke Detectors
Smoke detectors should be tested at least once per month to ensure that the alarm is working properly, and the battery is not dead.
To test your smoke detectors, simply press the unit’s test button until the alarm produces a loud alert tone. In some cases, you may need to press the button a second time to shut the test off.
If your smoke detector is on a high ceiling or a hard to reach spot, you might want to try using a broom handle to press the button. But as long as your smoke detector makes an alert tone when the test button is pushed, the smoke detector is functioning properly.
Cleaning Your Smoke Detectors
Every 5 or 6 months, you should vacuum your smoke detectors to remove any dust buildup or cobwebs.
Also, be gentle when vacuuming your smoke alarms to not cause any damage. It’s best to use a soft brush attachment on your vacuum, and make sure that you clean each of the unit’s vents properly.
Protecting Your Smoke Detectors from Insects
Sometimes, bugs and insects can find their way into your smoke detectors to make a home for themselves. This can block the unit’s vents and prevent it from alerting you when there is smoke in the room.
With that said, using an insect spray around your smoke detectors is a good idea to prevent insects from nesting inside. Just remember to never spray your smoke detectors directly. Only spray insect repellant around them, and make sure that they are covered to prevent to spray from getting inside the unit.
Changing the Batteries
It’s recommended that you replace the batteries in your smoke detectors once a year. Some models emit short beeping sounds every few minutes to notify you when the battery is low, but not all smoke detectors will have this feature.
That’s why it’s important to test your smoke alarm monthly and make sure to replace the batteries on an annual basis.
It’s also important to note that not all smoke detectors have replaceable batteries. So, in some cases, you may need to purchase a new smoke detector to replace the previous one.
How Often Do I Need to Replace My Smoke Detectors?
Smoke detectors work 24/7 to make sure that your home’s air is free of smoke. But because they are constantly working, they may eventually begin to malfunction due to dust build up, insects, or corrosion.
Most smoke detector models have a date stamped on them that lets you know when to replace it, however, if your smoke detector does not have an expiration date, it’s important to make sure to replace it at 10-year intervals.
After 10 years, your smoke detector will have gone through countless smoke monitoring cycles, and its inner components may become less reliable as time goes by.
Fire Safety Plans
Every building, whether it’s a home or a business, should be equipped with a fire safety plan. The plan is designed by the building’s owner and is meant to identify the protocols that should be followed in the event of a fire.
For businesses, fire safety plans must be documented and implemented properly to ensure that anyone visiting or working in the building understands what to do.
Fire safety plans need to cover a few key areas such as fire prevention, evacuation and the emergency response protocols that will be taken. A copy of the plan must be made available to all employees or tenants of a building.
There are templates available for creating fire safety plans, however, each plan will be different due to the specifics of the building, as well as where the building is located.
Learn more about creating a home fire safety plan here.
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