How to Detect a Low Battery on a Smoke Alarm
- 1). Test your alarm every month.
- 2). Push the test button on the alarm using a long pole or long-handled broom. If the alarm goes off, the alarm is working and the battery is still functioning.
- 3). Replace the battery if the alarm does not sound. Be sure that the battery snaps completely into position .
- 4). Push the test button again. If the alarm does not sound at this time, the alarm is defective and should be replaced.
- 5). Change batteries in your smoke alarms every six months. Change the batteries when you change your clocks for Daylight Savings time in the fall and spring as an easy reminder.
- 6). Change batteries when your alarm "chirps" or beeps. This is the built-in warning of a low battery in smoke alarms.
- 7). Replace the smoke alarm after 10 years. The effectiveness of smoke alarms decreases after that length of time.
