It's Fire Prevention Week: Hot tips from the Montgomery County Fire Marshal

CONROE, Texas -- Does your home have a smoke alarm? According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), the answer is likely yes: NFPA research shows that most American homes have at least one. But do you know how old your smoke alarms are? If you’re like most people, you’re probably not so sure.

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 Montgomery County Firefighters and NFPA, along with fire departments throughout the country, because smoke alarms don’t last forever.

“Time and again, we have seen the life-saving impact smoke alarms can have in a home fire, but we have also seen the tragedy that can result when smoke alarms aren’t working properly,” said Montgomery County Fire Marshal Jimmy Williams. “That’s why we’re making a concerted effort to educate Montgomery County residents about the overall importance of smoke alarms, and that they do have a life limit.”

Manufacturers and consensus national standards recommend that smoke alarms be replaced at least every 10 years, but because the public is generally unaware of this requirement, many homes have smoke alarms past their expiration date, putting people 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.

Throughout the month of October, Firefighters will be traveling to schools and meeting with the public in support of Fire Prevention Week, hoping to spread the word about this year’s campaign.

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. Smoke alarms should be tested monthly, and batteries in conventional detectors should be replaced once a year or when they begin to chirp, signaling that they’re running low.

The Fire Marshal urges residents to consider installing “long-life” smoke alarms powered by lithium batteries. These alarms are designed to last up to 10 years without needing to replace batteries. At the end of their useful life, they will begin to chirp and then you simply replace the entire smoke alarm. These types of alarms are ideal for landlords with rental property, since many are tamper resistant as well.

For more information on smoke alarms and this year’s Fire Prevention Week campaign, “Don’t Wait: Check the Date! Replace Smoke Alarms Every 10 Years”, visit www.firepreventionweek.org.