Is it Time to Replace Your Smoke/CO2 Detectors?

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Since daylight savings time has happened once again, I thought I would take the opportunity to ask you if it is time to replace your smoke/CO2 detectors.  Did you know that it is recommended that one replace their smoke/CO2 (carbon dioxide) detectors every 10 years?  It’s also recommended that one change the batteries in all their detectors twice a year.  An easy way to remember as to when to change the batteries,  is change them when daylight savings time occur – in the spring and the fall.

{The detector shown above is the Kidde KN-COSM-XTR-B Nighthawk Combination Carbon Monoxide, Fire, and Smoke Intelligent Alarm – it TALKS!}  I had to throw the link in there in case you wanted to check it out 🙂

IF – your detectors are hard-wired that doesn’t mean they don’t have a battery – be sure to check those and replace those batteries too.  Personally, I think it’s great to have detectors that are both hard-wired and battery operated.  If one of the features fails, there’s always the back-up feature.  Or, if you lose your power – you still have the battery as a backup.

And, do you have a fire extinguisher?  If you don’t, you should really think about getting one, or several.  It’s recommended to keep one in the kitchen, laundry area, the top of stairwells, the basement and the workshop.  A multi-purpose distinguisher will work.  If you do have one – be sure to check the charge of the tank.  The contents can disappear over time and you’d hate to find that out when you need it the most.

Generally, the rule of thumb is to replace fire extinguishers once a year too.  Some though, can be refilled.  Here’s a great website with a great article on fire extinguishers: http://www.windsorfire.com/divisions-prevention-home-fire-extinguisher-guidelines 

So…when’s the last time you change the batteries or replaced your smoke/co2 detectors?

Don’t be afraid to share this with everyone you know – you could save a life 🙂

 

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