Be Safe & Sound: Check Your Smoke Detectors

Fire Prevention Week, which was observed from Oct. 9-15, reminded us all of the importance of fire prevention and detection techniques. This is especially relevant in Alabama, which is among the top 10 states in the country in both residential structure fires and fire-related deaths.
One of the most important things you can do is to regularly check and test smoke detectors installed in your home or business. This is relatively easy to do once you locate the test button on the smoke detector. Simply press and hold the button for a few seconds. If the detector is functioning properly, it should emit a loud, shrieking siren warning. If it makes a weak noise or no sound at all, try replacing the batteries. Also, if your detector makes periodic chirping noise, it is telling you to check the batteries. Batteries should be replaced at least twice per year. Of course, you can also perform another test to make sure your detector is actually sensing smoke by holding a blown-out match or two under the detector. If your smoke detector manual discourages using an open flame near the detector, a can of UL-rated smoke may come in handy.
Of course, it’s always a good idea to give the service technicians at Dixie Electric, Plumbing & Air a call. We will be happy to check and clean all available detectors for operation and install fresh batteries as needed.
Your friends at Dixie recognize the importance of ensuring our customers’ safety against deadly house fires and that is why we offer our exclusive Safe & Sound Service. Our “pre-disaster” detection process uses sophisticated and dependable technologies including Ultrasonic Arc Detection, Infrared Thermal Imaging and Circuit Tracing, tests that can detect problems before disaster strikes. Our electricians are standing by 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to help our customers with any electrical emergency. Schedule your Safe & Sound Service today. Call Dixie, and it’s done!