Like other household appliances, sometimes we take the protection they offer for granted. Occasionally, we hear the alarm when food is burning in the kitchen, or we see the smaill light faintly glow as we head for bed at night. Little attention is paid to smoke detectors until tragedy strikes. Tragedy can be averted and lives saved with the help of properly installed and maintained smoke detectors. In fires, smoke and toxic gases cause more deaths than fire itself.
Many people never wake up.
They die as a result of poisoning from breathing carbon monoxide, a colorless and odorless gas. A working smoke detector can give you and your loved ones the warning of a dangerous situation in time to escape safely. The Arlington County Fire Department recommends that you replace the battery in your smoke detector when you change your clocks back in the fall. The fire department recommends the following maintenance procedures for your smoke detector. Clean detectors monthly by gently vacuuming to remove dust and cobwebs to allow proper air flow through the vents Test detectors using the method suggested in the manufacture's instructions.