Every Smoke Alarm Has An Expiration Date: What’s Yours?

Olympia, WA—Does your home have smoke alarms? According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), the answer is likely yes: NFPA research shows that most American homes have at least one.  But do you know how old your smoke alarms are?  If you’re like most people, you’re probably not so sure.

“I’ve seen the life-saving impact smoke alarms can have in a home fire.  Smoke detectors that are too old may fail to protect you when a fire starts.” says State Fire Marshal Charles Duffy.

To find out how old your smoke alarm is and its expiration date, simply look on the back of the alarm where the date of manufacture is marked.  The smoke alarm should be replaced 10 years from that date.  The State Fire Marshal’s Office also recommends that smoke alarms be tested monthly, and batteries be replaced once a year or when they begin to chirp, signaling that they are running low.

This year, dozens of fire departments across the state will be making a concerted effort during Fire Prevention Week, October 9th-15th, 2016, to educate residents about “Don’t Wait – Check the Date! Replace Smoke Alarms Every 10 Years.”  Knowing how old your smoke alarms are and why replacing them every 10 years is critical and can save lives.

To help residents experience the fun and spirit of Fire Prevention Week in their communities, we have compiled a list of  local public events.   Please note that most fire departments celebrate Fire Prevention Week by visiting the local schools in their communities—these events are not open to the public.  To see how your community is participating, please contact your local fire agency.

Anacortes Fire Department:  October 15 – Open House from 0900-1200 @ 1016 13^th St in Anacortes.

Mount Vernon Fire Department: October 15 – Open House at Fire Station 2. Call (360) 336-6277 for details.

For more information on smoke alarms and this year’s Fire Prevention Week campaign, “Don’t Wait: Check the Date! Replace Smoke Alarms Every 10 Years”, visit www.firepreventionweek.org.