Smoke detectors should be checked monthly…
- Smoke alarms should be tested monthly by pressing the test button (use a broom handle if unable to reach).
- Smoke alarms should be vacuumed regularly – at a minimum once a year – to clean the vents.
- A short, low beep every 60 seconds indicates the battery power is low and the battery needs replacing. Change your smoke alarm batteries every 12 months. Try using the end of daylight savings as your reminder and use a long-lasting alkaline battery.
- Electric powered smoke alarms also have back-up batteries – check with the manufacturer if your model has batteries that need to be replaced regularly, or whether it has a re-chargeable battery.
- Fire Services recommend that you replace your smoke alarm (both battery powered and hard-wired types) after ten years as it may start to fail after this period. A year of manufacture date is displayed on all smoke alarms.