How Often Do Fire Alarm System Batteries Need Replacing?

Batteries

• Replace the batteries every six months. Many people replace the batteries every few years, which can be highly dangerous. After six months, the standard 9-volt battery used in most alarms has lost enough of a charge to be ineffective should a genuine emergency arise. Always use a fresh battery to ensure the device is fully functioning. A battery is a small price to pay in comparison to the potential damage and injury that can occur if the alarm fails to operate properly.

Positioning

• Smoke and CO2 alarms do not have any limitations on how many can be placed in a home. Placing an alarm in every room may be slight overkill but guarantees that everyone will be alerted in the case of an emergency. At the bare minimum, position a fire alarm on every level, including basements and attics and in front of each separate sleeping area. The best placement positions alarms in each bedroom and common area, such as the kitchen and living room. CO2 alarms need to follow the path of chimneys in addition to the room positioning. Do not position CO2 or smoke alarms too near the fireplace or cooking surfaces as slight smoke from these areas could trigger false alarms.

Testing

• Test the unit weekly. Alarms that are joined together use the electricity from the house and battery backups. Test the units with electricity running through them, following the directions included with the unit. Test the circuit with the electricity turned off to ensure the battery backups in each device are functioning properly. Standalone sensors need to be tested individually. Test the standalone alarms weekly. Replace any units that fail to react to the test if the batteries are in good shape.

Escape Plans

• The number one thing to take into consideration is what to do when the alarms go off. Replacing the batteries, testing the units and even properly installing them does not save the occupants. Panic and confusion can lead to injury or worse during a fire. Plan an escape route for every room in the house. Each room needs to have two exits: a door and a window. Second floor rooms need to have evacuation ladders available or installed. Plan a central meeting place and practice reaching the location quickly. Practice escaping the house frequently to ensure that all occupants of the home are calm and oriented when a real emergency breaks out.