Fire Prevention Week: Replacing old smoke alarms is key to staying safe

NC GAZETTE / WBRT RADIO
STAFF REPORT

Sunday, Oct. 9, 2016 — Does your home have a smoke alarm? Do you know how old it is?

According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), the answer is likely yes: NFPA research shows that most American homes have at least one. If you’re like most people, you probably don’t know with certainty how old it is.

A recent survey conducted by NFPA 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 Bardstown Fire Department 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 Todd Spalding, Captain of the Bardstown Fire Department. “That’s why we’re making a concerted effort to educate Bardstown residents about the overall importance of smoke alarms, and that they do have a life limit.”

The NFPA’s national fire alarm code requires smoke alarms be replaced at least every 10 years. Because the public is often unaware of this requirement, many homes have smoke alarms well past their expiration date, which can put the home’s occupants at increased risk.

As the official sponsor of Fire Prevention Week for more than 90 years, NFPA is promoting this year’s Fire Prevention Week campaign, “Don’t Wait – Check the Date! Replace Smoke Alarms Every 10 Years,” to better educate the public about the critical importance of knowing how old their smoke alarms are and replacing them once they’re 10 years old. Fire Prevention Week is October 9-15, 2016.

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).

The Bardstown Fire Department 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 visit www.firepreventionweek.org or contact the Bardstown Fire Department at 502-349-6562.

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