When was the last time you tested the smoke detectors in your Western Dutchess home?

6/21/2019 (Permalink)

Just a few minutes once a month can help in a fire emergency!

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), states that approximately 3 out of 5 fire deaths in a residence are due to either malfunctioning smoke alarm or no alarms at all. Of the ones that had detectors, only about half of the fires did not work due to missing batteries, debris-covered detectors or disconnected wiring. When you have properly installed and tested smoke detectors, they can give everyone extra time to get to safety quickly. It’s a minor amount of money and time to give yourself some good piece of mind should an emergency arise in your Poughkeepsie home.

The easiest way to go about it is to have smoke detectors installed outside every of every bedroom, inside every sleeping area, AND on each level of the house, including the basement. Smoke rises, so it’s important to have them on each level of the home.

Put a note on your calendar or smart phone to test your smoke alarms once a month including checking the batteries and the wiring. If you hear chirping every few minutes from the detector, the batteries need to be replaced. If you have one that has non-replaceable batteries, the entire unit should be replaced every 10 years.

If there's built-up dust or paint or anything that could penetrate the sensors, clean it off or replace with a new detector.

Make sure you and understand the manufacturers specific instructions as some units need new batteries every year and some do not. Each manufacturer’s website also has some great tips for trouble shooting.

Unless replacing with new, don’t ever disable a smoke detector for any reason, it’s not a good idea to think that you’ll remember to replace the batteries tomorrow or buy a new one before there’s a fire. You can also reach out to your local fire department if you need help or you can click here for more information. We urge you to check the smoke detection system in your home as soon as possible, this is not a risk worth putting off.

In the event you’re dealing with fire, smoke or water damage, SERVPRO of Western Dutchess County is here for you, ready to help no matter what. We’re here to help and will make any disaster “Like it never even happened.”