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Did you know that smoke detectors have a life span? I didn’t until last week. I read that smoke detectors have to be replaced every 10 years. That was the first I had ever heard of that. So I looked it up.
Do You Know When It’s Time to Replace Your Smoke Detector?
And it was right!
Smoke detectors do have a life span. The sensors inside stop working, even if they have never been exposed to smoke.
So….we bought this house new 21 years ago. And were still using the same smoke detectors. So now I was freaked out about whether they would actually work in the event of a fire.
I replaced the batteries twice a year, and pressed the test button. And ours were actually wired into the electric.
But all those things don’t have anything to do with the sensors!
So I did some research, and bought this one. I like that it has an escape light. Especially important for the elderly and children, that can get easily confused finding their way in the dark.
I bought 2, one for outside the master bedroom, and one for outside the bedrooms at the other end of the house.
Smoke Detector Do’s & Don’ts
Place smoke detectors outside all bedroom areas. Even if a bedroom is off a living room, or family room where you don’t won’t to see one. Safety first! Decor second.
Replace your smoke detector regularly. If like me, your is older, replace now. I saw new ones for sale with a 3 or 5 year life span. Pay attention to those recommendations, and replace when needed.
Replace the batteries twice a year. Even if according to the test button the batteries still work. If your smoke detector is wired into the electric, don’t depend on just the electric. The electric could and will go out in a fire. You need the battery back up. I use changing the clocks twice a year as a reminder to replace my smoke detector batteries.
Don’t paint your smoke detector! You wouldn’t think that just putting a little paint on the outside would affect the sensors inside, but it does. Follow the manufactures recommendations and don’t paint.
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