GJFD's Monthly Smoke Detector Reminder

Statistics show that approximately 95 percent of homes have smoke detectors. However, roughly one third of those detectors don’t work because the batteries are dead or missing, or the smoke detector itself is too old. This means many residents in Grand Junction have a false sense of security. They know they have smoke detectors but do they know if the detectors will work?

Smoke detectors are a critical part of any home safety plan, but they may never actually go off. This leads to a case of out-of-sight, out-of-mind and the detector is neglected. If not properly maintained, a detector may not work when it really is needed and someone may die because they were not warned of a fire.

Home detectors are usually run by standard 9 volt batteries. No two batteries are the same, so it very important to change them at least once a year. If the batteries are still good, they can be used up in other devices. Fresh batteries assure that the detector will work when needed.

Batteries are not the only thing that could fail in a detector. To confirm the detector is functional, it is equiped with a self-test button that sets off the alarm, confirming the detector is okay. This test should be performed monthly in order to find any non-functioning detectors as soon as possible. Any non-functioning detector must be replaced immediately.

 

Routine maintenance includes three basic steps: