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A smoke detector
will do its job - detect small amounts of smoke and sound an alarm,
if the proper maintenance is taken. Follow the manufacturer instructions
that came with your smoke detector. We have listed some suggestions
below to assist you in the care of your smoke detector.
Once
a Week or Once a Month
Check
the Battery. To find out how
to test your smoke detector, read the manufacturer's instructions. Most
smoke detectors have a button that your press; if the smoke detector
is working, the alarm will beep. If you hear only a chirp or nothing
at all, you need to replace the battery.
Dust
Your Smoke Detector. Dust often
collects in smoke detectors, and it can cause the smoke detector to
give a false alarm. The easiest way to remove this dust is to take the
top off of the smoke detector and vacuum the inside, using the drapery-cleaning
attachment of a vacuum cleaner.
Once
a Year
Replace
the Battery. The average 9-volt
battery needs to be replaced after one year of 'service' in your family's
smoke detector. Multi-year batteries, used in some newer smoke detectors,
should be maintained as per the manufacturer's instructions.
Once
Every Ten Years
Replace
the Whole Detector. Even with
good upkeep, most smoke detectors have a life span of ten years. Remove
the smoke detector, follow the manufacturer's directions for disposing
of the smoke detector, and replace it with a brand new smoke detector.
Some newer smoke detectors have their ten-year anniversary imprinted
on the cover; if you are unsure of your smoke detector's age, it is
always better to err on the side of safety.
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