You should test your alarms several times a year to ensure they are working as intended.
Fire alarms are one of the most important means of fire protection that you can have in your home or business. But even more important than just owning a fire alarm is making sure it is properly maintained. Even if you believe your fire alarms are on and working, you don’t want to wait until a real fire happens to find out. You should test your alarms several times a year to ensure they are working as intended. Here are some tips for maintaining your fire alarm system.
Know the Age of Your Fire Alarm System
Depending on its age, your fire alarm will have different maintenance needs, so you’ll need to have an idea of how old it is. If your alarm is between 5-10 years old, many environmental factors can cause certain elements to break down. Changes in humidity, voltage, and temperature can lead to alarm failures. Models 10-15 years old will need more maintenance, but they can still work fine. Older than 15 years, and you will need extensive maintenance.
Test Fire Alarms Regularly
When testing your fire alarm system, you should first let everyone else in the building know that you are testing an alarm. Next, have someone go to the opposite end of the property to see if they can hear the alarm from the furthest point. Then, push and hold the test button for a few seconds until the alarm goes off. It is standard to schedule a yearly inspection and test after installing your alarm system. Certain states may require more frequent tests, so it is essential to be aware of the guidelines in your area.
Replace the Batteries
If your fire alarm doesn’t go off, you should first replace the batteries and check to see if the device is on. After doing so, test the alarm again. If it still doesn’t work, you may have a faulty device that needs to be replaced. Repeat this process with every alarm on your property.
What to Do If Your Fire Alarm Is Chirping
If your fire alarm system chirps or beeps intermittently, it could indicate an issue. If it continues to chirp, follow these steps:
- Remove the alarm unit from the ceiling.
- Take out the battery.
- Hold down the test button for a few seconds to drain the smoke alarm of any leftover power.
- Hold down the test button for 15 seconds to reset the unit and remove the reason for the chirping.
- Clean it out with canned compressed air or vacuum cleaner.
Commercial and Residential Fire Prevention from Judd Fire Protection
If you want to ensure your home and business are safe throughout the year, trust Judd Fire Protection, LLC. We have over two decades of experience designing, installing, inspecting, and repairing residential and commercial fire protection systems. We serve clients throughout Maryland, Pennsylvania, Washington, D.C., Virginia, and West Virginia. If you are interested in finding out more about our services and protecting your home and business, give us a call at 410-871-3480