Every smoke alarm has an expiration date: What’s yours?

Post date: Jun 11, 2014 11:49:11 PM

https://www.winchesterva.gov/fire-prevention-week-don%E2%80%99t-wait-check-date

Does your home have a smoke alarm? According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), the answer is likely yes: NFPA research shows that most American 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.

A recent survey conducted by NFPA 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 the Winchester Fire and Rescue Department 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,” says Jeremy Luttrell, Fire Marshal of the Winchester Fire and Rescue Department. “That’s why we have increased our educational efforts over the last few years and continue to stress the importance of having working smoke alarms.”

To find out how old a smoke alarm is, 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). In addition to checking the date, smoke alarms need to be tested monthly, and batteries should be replaced once a year or when they begin to chirp, signaling that they’re running low. A good reminder is to change your batteries when you change your clocks for daylight savings time.

Fire Prevention Week

The 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.

As the official sponsor of Fire Prevention Week for more than 90 years, NFPA is promoting this year’s Fire Prevention Week campaign, “Don’t Wait - Check the Date! Replace Smoke Alarms Every 10 Years,” to 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. Fire Prevention Week is October 9-15, 2016.

Infographic (PDF) explaining how to check the date on smoke alarms. Provided by NFPA(link is external).