Testing Your Smoke Detectors
July 3, 2018
A smoke detector may be one of the most important items in your home because it can warn you and your family of smoke and fire. Getting an early warning of a fire can provide you and your loved ones with plenty of time to evacuate and remain safe. Like most electronic devices, smoke detectors do not just run on their own. They need to be properly maintained to ensure the safety of everyone in your home. Regularly testing your smoke detectors can go a long way in keeping yourself and your residence safe.
Proper Maintenance and Testing of Smoke Alarms Will Keep You Safe
Testing your smoke alarms to see if they work is a simple task. Each smoke detector comes equipped with a testing button. To test your alarm, press and hold the button until you hear the loud, ear-piercing beep that should come from the device. If you end up hearing a weak beep or nothing at all, it most likely means you need to replace the batteries. Once you replace them, you should test the smoke detector again to make sure it is now in working condition.
It is recommended that the batteries be changed every six months, regardless of the test result. If putting in new batteries doesn’t work, you might need to clean the smoke detector. Dust can clog a smoke detector, making it paramount that you dust your smoke detectors often. One last thing to keep in mind is the fact that smoke detectors have a limited lifespan. According to the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA), a smoke detector will only last 10 years and should be replaced when that age hits. It’s important to remember that your smoke detector should be replaced after 10 years, regardless of whether it still seems to work or not.
Premises Liability Lawyers in Pittsburgh, PA Can Help
By law, smoke detectors should be in all buildings. Without them, you might not be able to recognize a fire until it is too late. It is up to landlords and building owners to keep everything up to code, and that includes the maintenance of smoke detectors. If they fail to keep everything in working order, it could lead to injury or even death. If you are facing a situation where you feel a building owner or landlord has caused you harm due to their negligence, then you need to contact Pittsburgh Attorney Mark A. Smith. Mr. Smith will put his knowledge and experience to work making sure you are properly compensated for any damages you may have suffered. All you have to do is pick up the phone and dial 412-567-1313 to speak with him today.
The articles on this blog are for informative purposes only and are no substitute for legal advice or an attorney-client relationship. If you are seeking legal advice, please contact our law firm directly.
