If smoke alarms in homes are more than 10 years old, Cal Fire recommends replacing them as well.
According to a recent survey among more than 1,000 adults commissioned by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), conducted over the phone in September 2010, Americans continue to have misunderstandings about smoke alarms, including how many they need in their homes and how often they should be tested and replaced.
Smoke alarms, when properly installed, give an early audible warning needed to safely escape from fire.
That’s critical because 85 percent of all fire deaths occur in the home, and the majority occur at night when most people are sleeping. Last year, NFPA documented 3,420 home fire deaths nationwide.
“By taking the time to replace the battery in your smoke alarm you help ensure that you have one of the best ways to alert your family should a fire occur,” said Chief Tonya Hoover, acting state fire marshal.
Cal Fire has the following tips on smoke alarms:
Test smoke alarms once a month.
Replace batteries in all smoke alarms twice a year.
Don’t “borrow” or remove batteries from smoke alarms even temporarily.
Regularly vacuum or dust smoke alarms to keep them working properly.
Replace smoke alarms every 10 years.
Don’t paint over smoke alarms.
Practice family fire drills so everyone knows what to do if the smoke alarm goes off.
Find more information visit the Cal Fire Web site at www.fire.ca.gov .
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