It’s happened to all of us. We’re caught up in some moment and sure enough a smoke detector goes off. We hurriedly look around hoping not to see a fire and for the life of us, we can’t find any reason for that loud, annoying alarm to be going off. We go to the screeching detector in question, stare at it, say a few choice words, fan the air until it stops and go back to the task at hand. Then, suddenly, it goes off again. Its high-pitched siren wailing its way down from the ceiling. As we cringe, we ask ourselves, “why is this happening?”
I’m Chris Parks with North Star Services, LLC and I’m going to explain the most common reasons why a smoke detector randomly goes off.
Is There A Fire?
Before we get into the causes behind false alarms, it bears reminding that you should always check for a fire first. Even if you strongly believe that you have a false alarm on your hands, check for a fire first and foremost. If you suspect or locate a fire, evacuate immediately and call 911.
Keeping You Safe
Smoke detectors are extremely important in keeping you, your family or and your employees safe. But they don’t only sound when an actual fire threatens your home. Though false alarms can occur often, that doesn’t mean you should ignore them if you don’t see or smell smoke. Smoke detectors can sense hidden fires, such as electrical fires, before you can. If an alarm sounds, assume there is a fire and follow proper safety precautions to ensure you, your family or employees are safe and sound.
Placement of the Fire Detector
If you are faced with persistent false alarms, you may want to reconsider the placement of your smoke detectors. If they are directly positioned over an area that produces a large amount of steam or smoke, you could move them to save your ears some ringing.
These areas are ideal locations for smoke detectors:
Each bedroom needs a smoke detector
Hallways are great areas for smoke detectors
Place detectors near fire hazards, such as fireplaces
Near the kitchen, perhaps in an opening or hallway leading to the kitchen
Near any stairway
Burnt Food on Stovetop or Oven
When you’re cooking, your food may produce smoke, which activates the smoke alarm. In some cases, smoke isn’t even necessary — a hint of burnt food can be enough to set off the detector. So, make sure your smoke detector is optimally placed, such as in the hallway leading to the kitchen, not in the kitchen itself. Also, ensure that you regularly clean your oven. A dirty oven can cause smoke. Opening the oven door when the oven is on will allow smoke to escape and your smoke detector to go off.
Burnt Toast or Popcorn
Leaving bread in the toaster or popcorn in the microwave a little too long can happen to all of us. Doing so sends heavy particles into the air, which your smoke alarm picks up. To avoid this situation in the future, keep your smoke detector out of the kitchen and away from these devices.
Fireplace & Grills
Fireplaces can cause smoke detector false alarms. Your fireplace sometimes sends smoke into your house, which sets off the alarm. Your chimney may not be clean, and the dampers may not be properly set. Be sure to hire a chimney sweep to inspect your fireplace once a year to ensure you don’t have excess debris that can send smoke into your home or other fire-related damage.
If you notice the smoke detector going off every time you fire up the grill, it might be worth considering moving your device a little further away from that door or window.
High Humidity
Smoke alarms don’t always distinguish between smoke particles and moisture content. Thus, the density of the moisture particles triggers your alarm (even if they’re water particles). If you have high humidity in your home, use fans, dehumidifiers or windows to dissipate the humidity.
Steam
Dense water vapor is like humidity when it comes to triggering false alarms. When you take a shower or boil water on the stove, smoke detectors can sense the steam and sound their screeching alarm. Turn on overhead fans and make sure to ventilate your bathroom and kitchen to prevent this.
The Creepy Crawlies
Small bugs love dark crevices in your home, so they just may crawl into your smoke detectors, triggering a false alarm. If you look yet don’t know what caused an alarm, open the device and check for small insects. Use pest control sprays around your smoke alarms if insects are the culprit.
Chemical Odors
Using harsh chemicals or paint can also cause smoke detector false alarms. Smoke detectors quickly pick up on chemical odors. Ventilate areas where you paint or use chemicals to avoid the startling noise of your smoke alarm.
Dirt, Dust and Environmental Smoke
Dirt and dust that comes from activities such as remodeling or extensive Spring cleaning may set off your smoke detector. To clean your smoke alarm, carefully open it up, and look inside for dirt or dust. Use a vacuum attachment or electronic aerosol cleaner to remove the dirt and/or dust particles. Heavy smoke or particulates from wildfires or brushfires can also cause your smoke alarm to go off as well. If this is the case, ensure your property is not in the path of any oncoming fire.
Old Batteries
When smoke detector batteries run low or aren’t properly connected, they typically make small chirping noises. While that’s not the sound of smoke detection, it’s a warning sign that you should check on your device. Remember to replace smoke alarm batteries twice a year — when daylight saving time starts and ends.
Old Smoke Alarm
Smoke alarms usually last about 10 years. When they reach the end of their lifespan, smoke alarms might give off false alarms. If your detector is older than 10 years, replace it with a new one right away to ensure continued safety.
Request A Free Inspection Today
Smoke detectors are extremely important in keeping you, your family or your employees safe. Always check your safety equipment to ensure everything is in working order.
However, if your home or business has experienced fire damage, you can rely on North Star Services, LLC for comprehensive cleanup and restoration services. As a certified IICRC restoration and remediation company in Nashville, Berry Hill & throughout Middle Tennessee, North Star Services, LLC uses state-of-the-art equipment to inspect and treat both commercial and residential properties. We provide free mold and other restoration inspections. And, are available 24/7, 365 days a year for emergencies such as water damage, fire damage, flood and storm damage and more. Contact us at 629-221-0638 or request a free estimate now.
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