Smoke detectors play a pivotal role in safeguarding lives and property by providing early warning in the event of a fire.
Keep your loved ones safe by properly maintaining and updating your smoke alarms:
- Batteries: Smoke alarms need new batteries at least once a year. Without working batteries, your alarm is useless. Even hardwired alarms have battery backups. Push the test button monthly to be sure your alarm sounds. While you’re at it, replace the batteries annually.
- Sensors: Smoke alarms don’t last forever. Most manufacturers recommend completely replacing your smoke alarms every ten years. Even though the alarm still sounds during a test, the smoke-sensing technology can lose effectiveness over time, making the whole device less effective. Twist the alarm off the ceiling and check the back to see the manufacturer’s date.
- Responsibility: Fatal fires are nearly always connected to smoke alarm issues. Adults, ensure you have working smoke alarms to keep the whole family safe. If you need assistance or cannot afford alarms, contact the Overland Park Fire Department at 913-888-6066.
Find even more fire safety tips and reminders at opkansas.org.