Often the simplest fire detection and prevention tools are the ones that save the most lives, which is my smoke detectors and alarms are so important. However, even if you have multiple detectors installed throughout your property, they are useless unless they are working properly. Even if you believe your detectors are on and working, you don’t want to wait until an actual fire starts to find out. Several times a year you should test your alarms to ensure they are working as intended. Take a look at the following steps to learn how to correctly test your alarm and fix it if it isn’t working.
TEST ALARMS REGULARLY
The first thing you should do is let everyone else in your home know that you are testing an alarm. You don’t want a member of your family to call the local fire department when there is no fire to put out. Next, you should have someone go to the opposite end of the property to see if they can hear the alarm from the furthest point away from its location. Once they are ready, push and hold the test button for a few seconds until the alarm starts going off.
TEST AND REPLACE BATTERIES
If the alarm doesn’t go off, the first thing you should do is replace the batteries and check to see if the device is on. After doing so, test the alarm again. If it still isn’t working, you may have a faulty device that needs to be replaced.
Repeat this process with every alarm in your home. You should also get a smoke detector test aerosol can and spray near each device. This will let you know whether or not your device will properly detect smoke in the area. For more fire alarm safety tips, keep checking back with the Davis Ulmer blog!
Davis-Ulmer is your local fire and smoke detection expert in Northeast region of the United States. We have been designing, installing, and servicing fire detection systems since 1946. Davis-Ulmer knows that early detection is a critical component to any fire protection system and fire safety plan so we will work with you to get the fire alarm system you need. Contact us for more information.
