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Smoke Detector Maintenance

posted by TrueNorth Risk Management on Wednesday, September 14, 2016

Smoke detectors are one of the most important safety devices you can install in your home to protect your personal belongings and your family. Once you've installed smoke detectors, it is absolutely necessary to test them regularly to ensure that they will sound during a fire. A great way to remember to change your smoke detector batteries in your home is to do so twice a year during Daylight Savings Time. When you reset your clocks forward or back, also change the batteries to keep your home and family safe!

Types of Smoke Detectors

When selecting a smoke detector, keep the following in mind: 

• Photoelectric units are better for smoldering fires, such as electric fires in the walls, so they are ideal for kitchens and bathroom where these fires tend to occur. 
• Ionization units give nearby air an electrical charge and then measure whether the charge stays constant or whether a fire is consuming oxygen in the air. These units are better suited to areas where fires get out of control, such as a basement near a furnace. 

Testing a Smoke Detector

To ensure that smoke detectors are working properly, test them on a regular basis. To do so:

• Press the test button on the unit and wait for it to sound.
• Light a candle and hold it six inches below the detector so the heated air will rise into the detector. 
• If the alarm does not sound within 20 seconds, blow out the candle and let the smoke rise. 
• If the alarm still does not sound, open the detector and clean the unit. Also, make sure that all of the electrical connections are in good working order. 
• Then, test the unit again. If it is still not working, replace it immediately.

TrueNorth Protects the Things and People You Value Most

Helping you avoid claims is just one of the many value-added services we provide. Call TrueNorth today to learn more about all of our personal risk management solutions for your auto, home, and life. You can call us at (319) 364-5193 and a personal insurance agent will gladly add the right coverage to your plan.  For more information, please visit www.iTrueNorth.com.