In 2004 Facebook was launched and Friends left our televisions. It seems like yesterday, but if that’s the last time you replaced your smoke alarms it’s time for a change.
“Working smoke detectors are critical to saving lives in a house fire, and as they age they become less reliable,” says CCFR Chief Russ Mason. As the electrical components in the alarms get older they become more susceptible to false alarms and other problems.
Smoke alarms save lives by giving people an opportunity to escape a fire before it is too late. “Almost two-thirds of home fire deaths result from fires in homes with no smoke alarms or no working smoke alarms,” says Mason. “Simply updating and maintaining your smoke detectors could save your life.”
Installation
Install smoke alarms:
- On every level of your home
- Inside and outside sleeping areas
- High on a wall, or on the ceiling
- Away from air vents and windows
- At the highest point of pitched ceilings
Battery Replacement
- Standard battery operated smoke alarm batteries need to be replaced every six months.
- Long lasting battery smoke alarms should be replaced according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Hard-wired smoke alarms should have the back-up battery replaced once a year.
If you do not know how, or cannot replace your smoke alarm batteries, cannot afford a smoke alarm, or have other smoke alarm questions CCFR can provide complimentary assistance. Call CCFR at 636.970.9700, or e-mail us for details.