But when’s the last time you checked your detectors and extinguishers? Can you be sure that they will perform in the event of a fire emergency? Follow these maintenance tips, recommended by reputable fire safety organizations, to keep your safety tools in top functioning order.
Smoke Detectors
- Cleanliness is key. Make sure your smoke detectors are dust, dirt and paint free.
- Replace the batteries. Remember to replace batteries at least once a year—if not sooner. A good tip is to change your batteries at the start and end of daylight savings time.
Also, if your alarm starts ‘chirping’, you should change the batteries.
- Testing 1-2-3. Test your detectors at least once a month.
What to do: Press the ‘TEST’ button on your detector; the device should then beep/ring loudly.
What not to do: Do not light matches under the detector to set it off as repeated use of smoke to trigger a detector may cause it to fail in the event of a real fire emergency.
- Make checking a habit. As you walk by detectors, glance upwards to see that the signal lights are blinking, which indicates that the alarm is active.
- Know the shelf life. It is good practice to replace all detectors after 10 years. If you’re replacing all your detectors, you may want to purchase a combination smoke/carbon monoxide detector.
- Get it monitored. Install smoke detectors that are monitored by an accredited emergency response station that will notify you in the event of a fire emergency at your home—no matter where you are.
Remember: Fires don't discriminate. Detectors are available for people with impaired hearing.
Fire Extinguishers
- Inspect & Maintain. Inspect your extinguisher once a month; conduct a more thorough maintenance review/procedure yearly.
- Use the right tools. Your fire extinguisher should display the Underwriters Laboratory (UL) or Underwriters Laboratory of Canada (ULC) label.
- Clear the area. Do not block extinguishers with equipment, coats or other objects that could hinder access in the event of an emergency. Remember that you may be looking for the extinguisher in the dark at times—keep it somewhere handy.
- Testing, testing. Inspect your fire extinguishers at least once a month and even more in severe weather environments.
What to do: Check that the pressure is at the recommended level (those extinguishers with a gauge should have the needle in the green zone). Ensure the nozzle is not hampered and the pin and seal (if included) are undamaged.
- Keep it looking its best. Any sort of damage to the extinguisher cylinder, gauge or nozzle may affect its performance, so be sure it is free of dents, rust or other signs of wear-and-tear. Do not store near corrosive chemicals or oil that may leave deposits on the extinguisher and cause leaks.
- Dry chemical extinguishers? Refer to your manufacturer’s directions to find if it is recommended that you shake your extinguishers monthly to prevent settling.
- Invest in pressure testing. In addition, you should pressure test (hydrostatic testing) your extinguishers every few years to confirm that the cylinder is safe to use. Your owner’s manual may have information on this process; if not, please contact a fire safety professional or the manufacturer for complete details on hydrostatic testing.
- Recharge! Each time you use your extinguisher, no matter how much or little you used it, be sure to recharge it. Damaged extinguishers should be replaced immediately.
Remember: Everyone in your household should know how and when to use the extinguisher. It is important to use extinguishers only on small fires; if your residence experiences a larger fire, all people in harm’s way must evacuate immediately and call 911 from a safe location.
Safety tips, advice and resources found in this section have been recommended by a number of reputable organizations devoted to fire safety.
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