| For 26 years Energizer, in partnership with the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC), has been helping to keep families safe through their Change Your Clock Change Your Battery® program. On November 3rd, remember to test and change your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors when you change your clock back from Daylight Saving Time. Families are encouraged to use the extra hour “gained” from the end of daylight saving time to review their home fire safety plans and remind their friends, family and neighbors of the life-saving habit of changing and testing smoke alarm batteries.
If your smoke alarm was installed before November 2, 2003, it needs to be replaced.
Smoke alarm maintenance
Is your smoke alarm still working? Smoke alarms must be maintained! A smoke alarm with a dead or missing battery is the same as having no smoke alarm at all.
A smoke alarm only works when it is properly installed and maintained. Depending on how your smoke alarm is powered (9-volt, 10-year lithium, or hardwired), you’ll have to maintain it according to manufacturer’s instructions. General guidelines for smoke alarm maintenance:
Smoke alarm powered by a 9-volt battery
• Test the alarm monthly.
• Replace the batteries at least once per year.
• The entire smoke alarm unit should be replaced every 8-10 years.
Smoke alarm powered by a 10-year lithium (or “long life”) battery
• Test the alarm monthly.
• Since you cannot (and should not) replace the lithium battery, the entire smoke alarm unit should be replaced according to manufacturer’s instructions.
Smoke alarm that is hardwired into the home’s electrical system
• Test the alarm monthly.
• The backup battery should be replaced at least once per year.
• The entire smoke alarm unit should be replaced every 8-10 years. |
