Every smoke alarm has an expiration date: What’s yours?

Woodbridge Fire Department urges all residents to know how old their smoke alarms are, and to replace them every 10 years

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

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

NFPA 72, National Fire Alarm Code®, requires 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. Fire Prevention Week is October 9-15, 2016.

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 (not the date of purchase). Smoke alarms should be tested monthly, and batteries should be replaced once a year or when they begin to chirp, signaling that they’re running low.

Woodbridge Fire Department is hosting an open house at Fire Headquarters, 418 School St, on Tuesday, October 11 from 5-8 pm in support of Fire Prevention Week and this year’s campaign. The event will include fire safety videos, live fire demonstrations and hands on demonstrations of how to use fire extinguishers. Refreshments will be served. Stop by to meet your firefighters, see our apparatus and learn about fire safety.

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 and www.sparky.org/fpw

For additional information and downloads, please visit www.woodbridgefireprevention.org