Every Smoke Alarm Has An Expiration Date: What’s Yours?

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Did you know you need to replace your smoke alarm every ten years?

A recent survey conducted by National Fire Protection Association 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 Windsor Fire & Rescue Services and NFPA, along with fire departments throughout the country, 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 Chief Bruce Montone of Windsor Fire & Rescue Services. “That’s why we’re making a concerted effort to educate Windsor residents about the overall importance of smoke alarms and that they do have a life limit.”

The fire alarm code requires smoke alarms to 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.

To find out how old your smoke alarm is and its expiration date, 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). Windsor Fire & Rescue Services also says smoke alarms should be tested monthly, and that batteries should be replaced once a year or when they begin to chirp, signaling that they’re running low.

For more information on smoke alarms and this year’s Fire Prevention Week campaign, “Don’t Wait: Check the Date! Replace Smoke Alarms Every 10 Years”, visit www.firepreventionweek.org.