Smoke Detector Maintenance

Maintenance Mondays

Smoke Detector BasicsThe inside of a smoke detector consists of the following: an electronic circuit board, an ionization chamber and electronic horn. These three pieces work together to alert you if there is smoke present. When smoke alarms fail to operate, it is usually because batteries are missing, disconnected or dead. Smoke detectors have proven to help save lives and when living in a rental property, often it is the responsibility of the resident to maintain the smoke detector during residency.

Why Test Your Smoke Detector•Make sure it is functioning properly.

• Landlords require residents to maintain their smoke detectors; testing your smoke detector is critical to maintaining it.

•Keep yourself and your home SAFE!

Testing Your Smoke Detector• Alert all of your roommates that you

are testing the smoke detector.• Push and hold the test button.• An ear-piercing sound should

emanate from the device. Press the test button again to hush the alarm.• If the sound is weak or nonexistent,

replace the batteries and test again. Also, check the detector to be sure there is no dust or debris covering the grates, which will keep the detector from functioning properly.

• Check your smoke detector once each month. If you need help remembering, check out our monthly checklist here.

Vacuum Your Smoke DetectorYour smoke detector should be vacuumed every six months if not more frequently. Simply use the hose attachment on your vacuum to gently vacuum out the grates on the front of your smoke detector.

Cleaning Your Smoke Detector

Does Your Smoke Alarm….*Beep Randomly or Uncontrollably?*Seem Very, Very Sensitive?*Never Beep….EVER?

…then, it’s time to change your battery….

Changing The Batteries in Your Smoke Detector

1. Gently twist the face of the smoke detector to release it from the base.

2. While holding the face of the smoke detector gently open the battery case. and remove the old battery.

3. Insert the new battery.4. Gently twist the face of the

smoke detector to reattach it back on to the base.

5. If your smoke detector continues to act up or is still unresponsive after changing the batteries, contact your leasing office for more help.

STOP the incessant beeping…..