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Every smoke alarm has an expiration date
Does your home have a smoke alarm? The answer is likely yes: most homes have at least one. But do you know how old your smoke alarms are?
If you’re like most people, you’re probably not so sure. Cranbrook Fire & Emergency Services urges all residents to know how old their smoke alarms are, and to replace them every 10 years
A recent survey revealed that only a small percentage of people know how old their smoke alarms are, or how often they need to be replaced. That lack of awareness is a concern for Cranbrook Fire & Emergency Services, along with fire departments throughout the country, because smoke alarms don’t last forever.
“Time and again, I’ve seen the life-saving impact smoke alarms can have in a home fire, but I’ve also seen the tragedy that can result when smoke alarms aren’t working properly,” said Chief Wayne Price, Director of Cranbrook Fire & Emergency Services. “That’s why we’re making a concerted effort to educate our residents about the overall importance of smoke alarms, and that they do have a life limit.”
NFPA 72 (National Fire Protection Association), National Fire Alarm Code requires smoke alarms be replaced at least every 10 years, but because the public is generally unaware of this requirement, many homes have smoke alarms past their expiration date, putting people at increased risk.
This year’s Fire Prevention Week campaign, ‘Don’t Wait – Check the Date! Replace Smoke Alarms Every 10 Years,’ will better educate the public about the critical importance of knowing how old their smoke alarms are and replacing them once they’re 10-years-old.
To find out how old your smoke alarm is and its expiration date, simply look on the back of the alarm where the date of manufacture is marked. The smoke alarm should be replaced 10 years from that date (not the date of purchase). Cranbrook Fire & Emergency Services also says smoke alarms should be tested monthly, and that batteries should be replaced once a year or when they begin to chirp, signaling that they’re running low.
For more information on smoke alarms and this year’s Fire Prevention Week campaign, ‘Don’t Wait: Check the Date! Replace Smoke Alarms Every 10 Years.’
A demonstration in real time how a quick a house fire can begin today compared to several decades ago.
City of Cranbrook
