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Announcement

Fire Safety Tip: Time to Change Batteries!

Thursday, October 19, 2023

Time to Change Smoke Alarm Batteries!

written by Richard J. Constantino, LMVFR Fire Chief

We at the Lake Monticello Fire Department endorse the long-standing axiom, “Change Your Clocks, Change Your Batteries” campaign which encourages the public to change their smoke alarm batteries when turning clocks back in the fall and ahead in the spring.

On November 5th, States throughout the United States turn their clocks backward for Standard Time. Many people should use this opportunity to change their home’s smoke alarm batteries as well.

Because working smoke alarms are a critical element of home fire safety, the Lake Monticello Fire Department supports any and all efforts to reinforce the importance of working batteries and detectors. However, today’s smoke alarms are not all designed the same, making battery replacement more distinctive.

Following is information to help make sure all smoke alarms have working batteries, accounting for the multiple types of smoke alarms on the market and their varying battery requirements:

Smoke alarms with non-replaceable 10-year batteries are designed to remain effective for up to 10 years. If the alarm chirps, warning that the battery is low, replace the entire smoke alarm right away.
We recommend smoke alarms with any other type of battery, need a new battery twice a year. If that alarm chirps, warning the battery is low, replace the battery right away.
When replacing a battery, follow the manufacturer’s list of batteries on the back of the alarm and the manufacturer’s instructions. Manufacturer’s instructions are specific to the batteries (brand and model) that must be used. The smoke alarm may not work properly if a different kind of battery is used.
Additionally, we advise when removing the smoke detectors from the ceiling and/or wall, homeowners should “blow out” the detectors to remove dust particles, spider webs, and small bugs which adversely affect the proper function and cause false alarms. There are several ways to accomplish this task:

Commercial cans of compressed air can be purchased at any hardware store or home improvement store. Simply spray air into the openings on the sides of the detector.
With your mouth, manually blow into the interior components of the detector several times.
Use a vacuum cleaner to draw the debris from the interior of the detector or reverse the vacuum airflow and expel the debris from the detector.

“Chirping” detectors usually mean the battery is weak in the affected detector.
Many of the modern-built homes have hardwired smoke detectors: These are connected to the electrical wiring of the building, and typically have a battery backup in case of power failure. They are typically connected in series, meaning if one smoke detector goes off, they all will.
After cleaning, changing the battery, and replacing the detector, TEST the detector(s) to be sure they are operating properly. For hardwired detectors, be sure when testing, ALL detectors activate and produce an audible alarm throughout your residence.
The life expectancy of domestic smoke detectors is ten (10) years. If your detector(s) are more than 10 years old, please replace them as soon as possible. The date of manufacture is stamped on the back of the detector.
The members of the Lake Monticello Fire Department ask you to avoid a disaster and follow this safety tip to keep your family safe and secure. Always remember, in an emergency dial 911 and Do Not Call the Main Gate.

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Announcement

Fire Safety Tip: Time to Change Batteries!