Massachusetts fire officials are urging the public to check and replace their smoke alarms. Every year, they suggest checking your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors around daylight savings when you change your clocks.
But this year, fire officials in Massachusetts say it’s more likely your smoke detector’s battery is running out.
Here’s what you need to know.
Why is it more likely my smoke detector is expiring in the next few months?
A decade ago, Massachusetts rolled out new fire codes requiring that new smoke alarms be equipped with a sealed 10-year battery and a “hush” feature to silence the alarms when necessary.
State Fire Marshal Jon Davine said at a news conference in Westborough Tuesday those features are there for a reason.
“This will prevent someone from using the batteries for the TV remote, or removing them when you burn your toast,” Davine said.
“One of the most frustrating and heartbreaking events we encounter is a fatal fire at a home with disabled smoke alarms,” added Westborough Fire Chief Patrick Purcell. “All too often, we find alarms in their brackets with the batteries no longer operable — or no batteries at all.”
Now that it’s 10 years on, the fire marshal and the Fire Chiefs Association of Massachusetts are pushing homeowners to check their smoke detectors.
“Our concern is that a wave of smoke alarms in homes across Massachusetts won’t be reliable much longer,” Purcell said.
Over the coming months and years, anyone who replaced their smoke detectors early on will be facing the end of their useful lifespan.
Residents can check the manufacturing date printed on the back of their smoke and carbon monoxide alarms. Even if the battery is still working, officials advise replacing smoke detectors that are more than 10 years old. Replace CO alarms per the manufacturer’s instructions — usually after 5, 7 or 10 years.
Fire officials recommend buying new smoke alarms that are made by a well-known national brand. Look for the mark of an independent testing lab such as UL or Intertek/ETL; it should meet UL Standard 217, 8th Edition or later.
Why is it important to check smoke detectors?
Last year, Davine said that about 40% of fire deaths in Massachusetts homes took place between October and December.
“Tragically, we found working smoke alarms in only one-third of those deadly fires,” he said.
Most of the deadly fires last winter happened overnight, when most people are sleeping, Davine said. Working alarms should be place inside every bedroom — and outside their doors.
And they’re emphasizing a phrase they want residents to remember: Smoke alarms save lives.
Walpole resident Bob Brown said he’s diligent about checking his detectors.
“Every fall, I check everything,” Brown said.
He said he also owns a home on Cape Cod and purchased the new 10-year replacement unit for that home.
“I put the date on it — I wrote the date,” Brown said.
Tracy Dunn of Wrentham said she has someone come and check her alarms annually. She’s committed to changing the smoke alarms for fear of what could happen if she didn’t.
“I have toddlers and a single mom, so I’m consciously aware of that — and carbon monoxide poisoning,” she said.
Davine also urged the public to check in on their family members and neighbors — especially older relatives and friends.
“That’s not because these homes are dangerous, or because newer homes are safer,” he said. “Most often, it’s because these older homes have been occupied for decades without anyone checking.”
How do I get rid of my old smoke alarm?
Don’t just throw them in the trash, fire chiefs say.
Sealed-battery smoke alarms are powered by lithium-ion batteries.
Damage to these batteries can cause a “rapid, violent chain reaction with sparks, flames and even explosions,” Auburn Fire Chief Stephen Coleman said.
Those batteries mean smoke detectors should be considered hazardous waste. Look online for a battery recycling dropoff site, or check for local hazardous waste collection events in your city or town.
