Test your smoke detector

Have you tested your smoke detector alarm lately? You pushed the button, the alarm sounded and everything was OK. But are you sure?

Manufacturers and fire-safety experts say if your unit is 10 or more years old, an alarm that sounds when the button is pushed just means it’s getting electricity and not necessarily that the sensor chamber is activating properly. Experts say to be certain, either test older units with a smoke device or replace them.

Sensor chambers can become dirty and ineffective or nonoperational even if the button test works. For safety, replace an older unit; then you’ll know it’ll be working when you need it.