Lakeville Fire Department urges residents to replace 10-year-old smoke alarms
Smoke alarms with a 10-year-sealed battery are now coming to their expiration date. Fire officials are urging residents to check the dates on their alarms, and replace them if needed. Photo source: Lakeville Fire Department
Smoke alarms with a 10-year-sealed battery are now coming to their expiration date. Fire officials are urging residents to check the dates on their alarms, and replace them if needed. Photo source: Lakeville Fire Department
LAKEVILLE — As part of a state-wide push for replacing expired smoke alarms, the Lakeville Fire Department recently issued a warning for residents about how to check and replace aging smoke alarms.
The department stated many residences have smoke alarms with a 10-year sealed battery. For units installed in the mid-2010s, their time to provide reliable fire-safety has passed. Fire officials are urging residents to check the dates on their alarms, and replace them if needed.
Lakeville Fire Chief Michael O’Brien said since the sealed-battery smoke alarms only need to be replaced at the end of their 10-year-life — instead of needing battery replacement twice a year — smoke alarm safety isn’t always at the front of people’s minds.
“It's pretty shocking how many fires we go to, and there's no functioning smoke alarms in the house,” said O’Brien. “It's actually really common despite how inexpensive the devices are, and how readily available they are to purchase.”
O’Brien said Lakeville residents can reach out to the Lakeville Fire Department if they cannot afford to replace their smoke alarms.
“Reach out to us. We'll be able to help you out,” he said.
Here is what to know about checking, replacing and disposing smoke alarms.
Check the date
Smoke alarms should be replaced 10 years from the manufacture date, which is printed on the back of the unit. If your alarm is 10-years-old or older, it’s time to replace it.
Replacing smoke alarms
Choose approved and tested devices that meet Underwriters Laboratories, known as UL, or Intertek ETL standards. Install alarms on every level of your home, including inside bedrooms and outside sleeping areas.
Consider upgrading to combination smoke and carbon monoxide alarms for additional safety.
Proper disposal
Do not throw old smoke alarms in the trash. Many contain small amounts of radioactive material or electronic components. Check with your local transfer station, fire department, or recycling center for guidance on proper disposal or recycling.
Some manufacturers also offer mail-back programs for used smoke alarms.
