Don't Wait -Check the Date

Check Alarm Date

Age matters when it comes to your smoke alarms.  You can check the date of manufacture of your alarm by taking it off the wall (twist to remove from bracket) and looking on the back of the alarm.  If you don't see a date of manufacture, chances are the smoke alarm is at least 15 years old.

Smoke alarms should be replaced according to the National Fire Protection Association, National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code (72-14.4.7) Replacement of Smoke Alarms in One and Two-Family Dwellings:  “Unless otherwise recommended by the manufacturer’s published instructions, single and multiple station smoke alarms installed in one- and two-family dwellings shall be replaced when they fail to respond to operability test, but shall not remain in service longer than 10 years from the date of manufacture.” (NFPA 72)

If you need to replace your alarms consider installing interconnected alarms so when one sounds they all sound.  Stayton Fire District and the Oregon Office of State Fire Marshal recommends you install an alarm in every bedroom, outside every sleeping area, and on each level of your home including your basement.  Install new alarms according to manufacture recommendations. Click her to learn more about installing alarms

Remember to test your smoke alarm batteries by pushing the test button at least once a month.  If you are building or remodeling, consider installing a home fire sprinkler system.

Click here to view Fire Preparedness Checklist

Home Fire Sprinkler Coalition, fire sprinkler guide: http://homefiresprinkler.org/fire-sprinkler-guide/

Home Fire Sprinkler Initiative: http://www.firesprinklerinitiative.org/