1. Warn family members. You should let everyone in the home know that you will be
testing the smoke detector so that they will not feel frightened when the detector goes
off.
2. Ask someone to help you. When testing an alarm, it will sound loud to you because you
are going to be standing directly underneath it. However, you may also want to be sure
that your detector is loud enough that anyone in any room in the home can hear it.
Remember, it has to be loud enough to awaken the deepest sleeper in the household.
• Ask them to stand in the room farthest away from the detector when you are testing
it. They may also try standing outside the house to see if it is possible to hear it from
outside.
3. Test the power. Many smoke detectors are equipped with a light that indicates the unit
is receiving power. However, you should still use the test button to ensure that the
alarm will sound properly. You can do this by pushing and holding the test button for a
few seconds.
• When you push the test button, the alarm should sound. If it doesn’t, you know that
your detector is not receiving power. You may need to replace the batteries or call
us.
• You can use a broom handle to push the button.
• Some detectors will turn off on their own after a few seconds, while others may be
turned off by pushing the test button again.
Smoke detector- maintenance
1. Replace the smoke detector. Smoke detectors can last about ten years before they
may become unreliable. The sensors in the detector may wear out or become
contaminated by dust and other air pollutants. Therefore, after ten years of use, it is
important to replace the smoke detectors.
• If you aren’t sure how old your smoke detector is, you can usually find out by
removing the unit from the ceiling and looking on the back. The date of manufacture
is typically printed on it.
• If you can’t find the date on the unit, then it should be replaced.
• Contact myhouse Agents-
admin@myhouseagents.co.uk who will arrange this.
2. Clean the detector. When you are testing the detector each month, it is a good idea
to use a vacuum cleaner attachment, a cleaning brush, or a soft cloth to clean any
dust, dirt, or other debris that may have accumulated. In the event of a fire, build-up
on the detector could cause it to malfunction.
Practising Fire Safety
1. Make a fire exit plan with everyone who lives in the household. It is important that
everyone knows what to do in the event of a fire. Take the time to have everyone sit
down together with a floor plan of your home and create a fire exit plan that
everyone will be able to use in the event of a fire. Make sure that all members of the
household have memorized the emergency number for the fire department.
• Make sure that you have at least two escape routes out of every room. If you have a
second floor, consider getting a life safety ladder that can hang from your windows.
• Include a meeting point outside of the home where everyone will go in the event of
a fire. For example, to the neighbours’ drive-way. Mark this location on your escape
plan.
• Assign one person who will be responsible for helping anyone who would not be
able to get out of the home on their own. For example, if you have a baby, young
toddler, or an elderly family member. Make sure this person knows that it is their
responsibility.
• If you have young children, post the fire exit plan in their room to help them
remember what the plan is.
2. Practice your exit plan. Have every family member practice the exit routes from
each room at least once or twice a year. Instruct each member of the household on
what to do if they notice a fire.
• For example, if someone notices a fire they should yell or pound on the walls to alert
other members of the household.
• Instruct family members to feel doors before opening them. If the door is hot, they
should use an alternative route as specified in the fire exit plan.
• Explain that if there is heavy smoke, household members should crawl on the floor
to avoid smoke inhalation.
3. Ensure that doors and windows are not blocked. Inspect each door and window in
your home. Are there objects that would make it difficult to get out of these exits in
the event of a fire? If a fire happens, you want as many possible ways to get out of
the house as possible, so make sure that there is nothing that would keep you or
your loved ones from getting out safely.
• For example, don’t allow a tall, heavy dresser to block the window. If a fire happens,
you or your loved one may not be strong enough to push it out of the way in time.
4. Conduct an unexpected fire drill. You should conduct a fire drill at least once. Don’t
tell anyone that you are setting off the alarm so that it will be treated like the real
thing, rather than as a drill.
• Try to do this when everyone is home.
• Everyone should understand that they are not to try and bring belongings with them.
Once they have exited the home no one is to re-enter the home under any
circumstances.