How many times today have you pressed the button on your Iphone or android ? Now ask yourself when was the last time you tested your smoke alarm ?…….
Once a month, use a step ladder or foot stool (or even a broom handle for extra reach) and push the test button. If you don’t hear anything then your battery is dead. If, after changing the battery, the smoke detector is still not working, immediately replace it with a new one .All smoke alarms have a test button that, when pushed, causes the alarm to sound. Also, most have either a blinking or a solid light that glows to let you know that the alarm is getting power.
While battery-operated units have a built-in device that chirps when batteries get low, signalling the need for replacement, common wisdom dictates not waiting until that point. Batteries should be replaced twice a year – once in Spring and once in the Autumn.
Never remove a battery from your smoke alarm for use in another item, such as a radio, toy, or TV remote. Many people do so with every intention of replacing them in short order, only to remember that they forgot while standing and watching their house burn down (if they were lucky enough to escape).
While you’re up checking your battery every month, also brush or vacuum the alarm to keep dirt and dust out of the mechanism. Never use cleaning sprays or solvents that can enter the unit and contaminate sensors.
The button test ensures that the batteries are working. However, it doesn’t tell you whether the detector is operating properly. To find out, put two or three lighted matches together (the wood kitchen type is best) and then blow out the flame, holding the matches so that the smoke wafts up toward the unit. You’ll know pretty quickly if the smoke alarm is working or not!
PUSH THE BUTTON !!
