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Fire Officials Remind Residents: Test Smoke Detectors and Replace Batteries Regularly

Local fire officials are reminding residents to check their smoke detectors and keep them in good working order—a simple step that can save lives.

“Smoke detectors are your first line of defense against fire-related deaths and injuries,” said St Henry Fire Chief Shawn McCoy. “They can reduce the risk of dying in a fire by about 60% by providing the critical early seconds needed to escape safely.”

Fires can spread quickly, producing thick, toxic smoke that can overcome people in minutes. Officials stress the importance of having multiple escape routes and a designated outdoor meeting place where family members can gather in an emergency.

Residents are urged to test smoke detectors monthly by pressing the test button. The device should emit a loud, piercing sound and then reset automatically.

Fire officials also warn against disabling a detector during a false alarm. “It’s easy to forget to turn it back on,” McCoy said. Instead, residents should find and fix the cause of the false alarm.

Batteries should be replaced at least twice a year, ideally when setting clocks for daylight saving time in the spring and fall. In addition, detectors should be replaced every 8 to 10 years, as their sensors lose effectiveness over time.

Officials recommend installing detectors on every level of the home, as well as inside and outside of all bedrooms. When purchasing new units, residents are encouraged to consider combination smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, which can provide added protection against two silent and deadly threats.