Every smoke alarm has an expiration date: What’s yours?
Bowman County’s three fire departments — Bowman, Rhame and Scranton — urges all Bowman County residents to know how old their smoke alarms are, and to replace them every 10 years.
Does your home have a smoke alarm?
According to the National Fire Protection Association, 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.
A recent survey conducted by NFPA revealed that only a small percentage of people know how old their smoke alarms are, or how often they need to be replaced. That lack of awareness is a concern for Bowman County’s fire departments and NFPA, along with fire departments throughout the country, because smoke alarms don’t last forever.
NFPA 72, National Fire Alarm Code, requires smoke alarms be replaced at least every 10 years, but because the public is generally unaware of this requirement, many homes have smoke alarms past their expiration date, putting people at increased risk.
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 (not the date of purchase). Smoke alarms should be tested monthly, and that batteries should be replaced once a year or when they begin to chirp, signaling that they’re running low.
Getz. (Front) Ed Holecek, Steve Pfau, Alison Getz, Neyl Eagon, Shaun Bergquist and Paul Fischer.
