The risk of dying in a house fire is 55% lower in homes with fire alarm systems than those without. 

But, it's not enough to just have a fire alarm system installed. You need to make sure it's working correctly and that it can accurately alert you in case of a fire. 

Keep reading to learn how to test a fire alarm and how often you should be testing it. 

How to Test a Fire Alarm

Not sure how to test a smoke alarm? 

Regardless of whether your fire alarm is battery-operated or a wired system, each alarm comes with a handy test button. When you press and hold this button, the smoke alarm siren should sound. 

Before you actually test the alarm, make sure everyone in your home is aware of the testing. 

If the alarm does not sound when the test button is pressed, first replace the batteries and test it again. If this does not fix the problem or you have a wired system, you'll need to replace your alarm. 

How Often to Test Your Fire Alarm

Are you currently asking yourself, "how often do fire alarms need to be inspected?" 

Every smoke detector in your home should be tested on a monthly basis.

To help you remember when to check your alarm, add it to one of your normal monthly cleaning routines. For example, if you sweep your ceiling for cobwebs and dust once a month, press the test button when performing this chore. 

Once a year you should replace the batteries, even if they were working when you last tested the system. 

When Should You Replace a Smoke Alarm ?

Proper fire alarm maintenance includes not only checking that your system is in working order, but also replacing it when recommended. 

But, why would you replace the whole system if you can just replace the batteries each year? Smoke alarms are manufactured to work for 10 years at a time. 

Each smoke alarm will have a manufactured date on it somewhere. It's a good idea to know this date and be aware of when 10 years rolls around. The next time you test your alarm, write down the date and set a reminder for the 10-year mark in your phone's calendar. 

If your fire alarm system is not working and it's sooner than 10 years, this is also an obvious time to replace it. 

Call Secure IT Securities for a Safe Home

Now that know how to test a fire alarm, you have a better idea of if it needs to be replaced or not. If the lifespan of your fire alarm system has ended or it's no longer functioning, you need to contact Secure IT Securities.

Secure IT Securities has over 20 years of experience installing fire alarm systems in Suffern, NY. Their team of certified technicians will start with a run-through of your home to ensure you have the right system. Then, after discussing the best options, they will expertly install the system and ensure it's in proper working order. 

Contact Secure IT Securities today with your fire alarm system questions or concerns.