Smoke Detectors – they work really well when you put the batteries in!

Smoke Detectors will only be useful if they are working! That is, if they have live batteries and if their circuitry has not become unreliable due to age of the components.

If your smoke alarm runs on a 9V battery, you should replace the battery every 12 months. A lithium battery can last for much longer and can sometimes give homeowners a false sense of security because they are not in the habit of replacing the battery. Whatever battery you choose to use with your smoke detector, you should check your detector every 12 months. Most have a simple test button.

Here are some statistics from the National Fire Protection Authority regarding the use of smoke detectors in homes:

• The main reasons for smoke detectors failure in home structure fires between 2000 and 2004 were: 54% had a missing or disconnected battery (false alarms was the primary reason for this) and 19% had a dead or discharged battery;
• 65% of deaths in home fires between 2000 and 2004 were in homes without smoke detectors fitted (43%) or with smoke detectors that were not operating (22%);
• 890 lives per year could be saved yearly if smoke detectors were in all homes.

Will you be a statistic in the next round of surveys? Smoke Detectors are easy to install and low maintenance – there is no reason why your family cannot be safer this year.