Smoke Alarms: Protect Your Family and Property

By Frank G. Ross

Smoke alarms are some of the most important safety devices in a home. As the name implies, its purpose is to detect smoke particles in the air and alert occupants of a home to a fire in the early stages, giving them a chance to get out of the house.

A smoke alarm is not a decorative feature and should not be treated like one.  While it might look better off to the side or hidden in the corner, the unit must always be placed where it can work effectively.  Remember to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations when considering placement of the alarm.  Also be careful not to paint over the unit which may cause the sensing elements of the alarm not to function.

Every level of the home, including the basement, should be protected with smoke alarms installed in hallways adjacent to stairs or bedrooms.  Alarms incorrectly placed near furnace rooms, kitchens or bathrooms could be problematic for the home’s occupants.  Steam or cooking vapors may accidentally activate the detector causing it to sound frequently which may cause the home’s occupants to ignore the alarm like the boy who cried, “Wolf!”

It’s a good idea to test your alarm monthly to make sure it's working. Using a candle or other small smoke producer introduce smoke into the alarm until it sounds. A non-functioning unit is worse than none at all because occupants of a home may mistakenly feel protection when actually none exists.

Smoke alarms that rely on battery power, those that are not wired directly into household circuits, will alert homeowners when it's time to replace the battery. This is not the case with rechargeable batteries. Rechargeable batteries don't give any warning when they are wearing out and can simply die at the end of their charge. As a result they will not cause the alarm to "chirp" indicating that the battery needs replacement.  A dead battery in your smoke alarm leaves you and your family unprotected.

Replacing the battery at least once a year, or when intermittent beeping sounds from the unit, ensures proper operation. Choose a day once a year to make a point of replacing the battery such as the first day of spring.  Make it a part of the ‘spring cleaning’ routine to vacuum out the alarm’s interior and protective cover with the soft brush attachment. This can be done more frequently if necessary.  When smoke alarms get plugged up with dirt and dust, they can become inoperable - even if the batteries are still good. The few minutes it takes could save your life or the life of a loved one.

I see missing smoke alarms frequently during a home inspection especially in rental property. A final word of caution, do not borrow batteries from the smoke detectors and don’t take them down if they are “chirping”. Replace the batteries with a high quality brand that will last longer and keep a spare battery or two in the home for the smoke detector that decides to start “chirping” at 2am.  And for greatest safety for your family and property, follow the manufacturer's instructions for installation, maintenance, and testing information.

Frank Ross is a Certified Utah Home Inspector for Pillar to Post Professional Home Inspection and a full member of the National Association of Certified Home Inspectors and a member in good standing with the Utah Better Business Bureau.  Readers may contact Mr. Ross at (435) 867-6400 or frank.ross@pillartopost.com or visit http://www.pillarposthomeinspection.com