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

The East Hartford Fire Department urges all East Hartford residents to know how old their smoke alarms are, and to replace them every 10 years
Posted on: September 28, 2016 - 10:25am

Does your home have a smoke alarm? 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.

Many homes have smoke alarms past their expiration date, putting people at increased risk. That lack of awareness is a concern for East Hartford Fire Department and Mayor Marcia Leclerc because smoke alarms don’t last forever.  That’s why the East Hartford Fire Department is making a concerted effort to educate East Hartford residents about the overall importance of smoke alarms, and that they do have a life limit.”

This year’s Fire Prevention Week campaign, “Don’t Wait - Check the Date! Replace Smoke Alarms Every 10 Years,” is an effort to better educate the public about the critical importance of knowing how old their smoke alarms are and replacing them once they’re 10 years old. Fire Prevention Week is October 9-15, 2016.

The East Hartford Fire Department is hosting Fire Prevention Awareness Day at the Raymond Library, 840 Main Street, East Hartford on October 15, 2016 in support of Fire Prevention Week and this year’s campaign. The event starts at 9:00 a.m. and will include a display of Fire Department Apparatus, Sparky the Fire Dog, Accelerant Detection K-9 demonstration, Fire Escape Trailer, and lots of fun and games. The American Red Cross will be on hand to register each household for free smoke alarms. The Raymond Library staff will conclude the event with a featured movie, “The Jungle Book”.

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. Smoke alarms should be tested monthly, and that batteries should be replaced once a year or when they begin to chirp, signaling that batteries are running low.

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.