Looking after Alarms

ONCE A WEEK

Test each alarm by pressing the test button and holding it until the alarm sounds.

ONCE A YEAR

Change the battery in the alarm (unless it is a 10-year alarm).

TWICE A YEAR

Open the alarm case and gently vacuum the inside using the soft-brush attachment, to remove dust from the sensor chamber. If the alarm case doesn't open, vacuum over the slots to suck out any dust. Never paint over a smoke alarm.

REPLACEMENT

As well as doing normal battery checks, it is best to replace smoke alarms with completely new units after 10 years. If you previously fitted just the basic model, this is an opportunity to install longer-life smoke alarms.

Your life depends on a smoke alarm which works. Smoke alarms need to be fitted in the right place with working batteries and they need simple but regular care.

NUISANCE ALARMS

If an alarm keeps going off it is only doing its job! You have probably put it in an unsuitable place – either in or too near the kitchen, for example, where it can be set off by steam or smoke from your cooking. False alarms can also be triggered by small amounts of smoke from open fires, by candle smoke, or by a build-up of dust and dirt as a result of poor maintenance.

Whatever you do, don't be tempted to disconnect or remove the battery – this could be fatal. If the alarm goes off a lot try moving it somewhere else, out of the immediate smoke path, or replace it with a 'hush or silencer' button alarm.

WARNING: If your smoke alarm starts to 'beep' regularly, you should replace the battery as soon as possible. If it is a 10-year alarm the whole unit will need to be replaced.