Install
Tampa Fire Rescue recommends that you install at least one smoke alarm on every level of your home, including the attic and basement. Even better is one in every bedroom. Smoke alarms are designed to wake you up if a fire starts while you are sleeping. Be sure your smoke alarms are near bedrooms and other sleeping areas of your home. Regardless of the size of your house or apartment there should be no less than two smoke alarms in every home.
Test
When was the last time you heard your smoke alarm? Battery-operated alarms should be tested once a month to make certain they are working. A good guide is to test your batteries every month at the same time you change your a/c filters. Do this by pushing in the button and holding it in until it beeps. Too high to reach? Use a broom or mop handle.
Change Batteries
Replace your batteries in your smoke alarm at least once a year. Tampa Fire Rescue recommends that you vacuum the vents on your alarm and replace the batteries when you change your clocks for daylight savings time, either in the fall or the spring.
Replacement
Replace your smoke alarm every ten years. After ten years, your smoke alarm will have been working consecutively for 87,000 hours. No other appliance in your home works this long. If you don't know how old your smoke alarm is, or if the alarm is ten years or older, replace the alarm as soon as possible.
Free Smoke Alarms
Tampa Fire Rescue is dedicated to fire prevention through early detection of fire. Smoke alarms should be available through the Fire Marshall's office.
INSTALLATION of smoke alarms is available for the elderly and infirmed.
This service is provided at no cost to the public.
For more information call us at (813) 274-7000.