Smoke Detector Questions and
Answers
Q: Why do I need a smoke detector? Won't I just wake up
from the smell of smoke?
Q: How often do I need to change the batteries in my smoke detector?
A: To ensure that you always have operable batteries in your smoke detector, it
is recommended that you change the batteries twice a year. A good way to
remember when to replace them is to change them when you change your clocks for
daylight savings time. Use only the types of batteries recommend on the
detector.
Q: Do smoke detectors ever need replacing?
A: Yes. All smoke detectors, including hard wired ones, need to be replaced when
they are 10 years old. After 10 years, the detectors may not operate properly in
the event of a fire.
Q: Do I need to test my smoke detector, and how often?
A: You should test your detector monthly, be pressing the "Test"
button on the unit. Never use real smoke to test the detector.
Q: What if my smoke detector sounds when I cook?
A: If your smoke detector sounds when you cook, you can usually silence it by
fanning it with a newspaper to clear smoke from the chamber. Do Not remove the
batteries. You could forget to replace them. If normal cooking activity sets the
detector off regularly, you may need to reposition it further away from your
kitchen. If moving the detector is not possible, you can also replace it with
one that has a momentary silence button, designed specifically for that purpose.
Q: Is there anything else I need to know about smoke detectors?
A: Yes. Dust can accumulate and decrease the detector's sensitivity. Clean your
smoke detectors annually by vacuuming them out.