Smoke Alarm Safety
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Smoke Alarm Safety
Change Your Smoke Alarm Batteries
Gwinnett County Fire and Emergency Services reminds you to check your smoke alarms when you change your clocks! Test alarms monthly and replace the batteries twice a year to keep them working properly.
Every year, nearly 3,000 people die in house fires—and two-thirds of those deaths occur in homes without working smoke alarms. A working smoke alarm cuts your risk of dying in a home fire by half.
To keep your alarms in top condition:
- Place alarms on every level of your home, especially outside bedrooms and at the top of stairs.
- Keep alarms free of dust and test them regularly.
- Never use an alarm that is over 10 years old—check the manufacture date and follow replacement guidelines.
Types of Smoke Alarms:
- Ionization alarms respond faster to flaming fires, like grease fires.
- Photoelectric alarms are better for smoldering fires, such as those started by cigarettes.
For the best protection, use both types or a dual-sensor alarm. And don’t forget to check your carbon monoxide alarms too. A few minutes of maintenance can save lives.