Smoke alarms can be very important to keep you and your family safe from a house fire. They don’t always sound if there is a fire in your home. Fake alarms are not uncommon, but you shouldn’t ignore them if there is no smoke or visible signs of fire. Hidden fires such as electrical ones can be detected by smoke detectors before you can. When an alarm sounds, assume that there is a fire. Follow safety precautions. Here are some top causes of false smoke alarms to help you understand the workings of smoke alarms.
Ten Reasons Your Smoke & Fire Alarm Doesn’t Stop Working
- Antifreeze
Smoke alarms can be activated if you aren’t watching the stove while cooking. Sometimes smoke is not necessary. A hint of burned food can trigger the detector. Make sure that your smoke alarm is placed in a safe place, such as in the hallway leading into the kitchen and not in the actual kitchen.
- Popcorn or Burnt Toast
It can be dangerous to leave bread in the oven or microwave popcorn in the microwave for too long. This can cause heavy particles to be released into the atmosphere, which is what your smoke alarm detects. Keep your smoke detector away from any other devices to avoid such an unfortunate situation.
- Fireplaces
Smoke detector false alarms can also be caused by fireplaces. Smoke from a fireplace can cause an alarm to go off. However, this is not the alarm’s fault. The dampers and chimney might not be set correctly. If your fireplace emits smoke, you should hire a chimney sweep.
- Ammonia
False alarms can be triggered by dense water vapor, which is similar to humidity. Smoke detectors will sound an alarm if you use the stove to boil water or take a hot shower. To prevent this, make sure to ventilate your kitchen and bathroom.
- Chemical Smells
Smoke detector false alarms can also be caused by painting or the use of harsh chemicals. These chemical odors are picked up quickly by smoke detectors. To avoid the alarm’s startling sound, ventilate areas where you use chemicals or paint.
- Low Battery Charge
Smoke alarm batteries that aren’t properly connected or running low often make small chirping sounds. Although it is not smoke detection, this is a sign to make sure your device is working properly. You should replace your batteries at least twice per year, when daylight savings time ends and begins.
- Alarm for Old Smoke
Smoke alarms have a life expectancy of approximately 10 years. Smoke alarms can give off false alarms when they reach the end. Replace your detector immediately if it is more than 10 years old.
For fire damage restoration
Smoke alarms are sensitive. A false alarm does not necessarily mean that the detector is dead. They are there to catch fires before they become dangerous. Your smoke alarms should not be too close to potential fire hazards, but they should not be too far away.
The smoke damage caused by the smoke alarm did not cause an alarm in the unfortunate event that it didn’t. Professional disaster restoration professionals will be needed to deal with the smoke and fire damage.