Fire and carbon monoxide detectors act as early warning systems that immediately alert your tenants of any potential danger. Without functional and reliable detectors, your tenants’ safety remains at risk. Detectors need to be periodically tested to ensure they’re operational and up to building safety codes.
Smoke Detectors
- Do you need smoke detectors in your building? The answer is yes. Building safety codes require that smoke detectors be present in all units/homes.
- Smoke detectors should be installed in or outside of every bedroom and on each level of the house. Remember, a smoke alarm doesn’t do any good for anyone who can’t hear it.
- The Federal Emergency Management Safety recommends checking smoke detectors at least once a month. Batteries should be replaced twice a year regardless of their life. This includes the back-up batteries placed in hardwired smoke detectors.
- To check a smoke detector, hold and press the test button. The alarm should emit a loud, screeching sound. Should the smoke alarm produce a weak or inaudible sound, change the batteries. Next, you may want to test its ability to detect smoke. Light a match underneath the smoke detector. Afterwards, place the match in a bowl of water to ensure it’s properly out. If the device does not sound the alarm, replace the batteries or the smoke detector itself.
Carbon Monoxide Detectors
- Do you need carbon monoxide detectors in your building? If you have any fuel-fired appliances or an attached garage, local building safety codes may require you place a carbon monoxide detector in your unit/home. Check with your local building safety department about placing a carbon monoxide detector in your rental.
- Much like a smoke alarm, make sure you install the carbon monoxide detector inside a bedroom or outside of a sleeping area, and on all levels of the unit/house. A carbon monoxide detector should be located where residents are easily able to hear it.
- Refer to the manufacturers instructions on when to check your carbon monoxide alarms. However, you may want to check these alarms as you are checking your smoke detectors. That way, you’ll ensure both alarms are being checked on a monthly basis. Also, make it a habit to replace your carbon monoxide detectors batteries every six months.
- To test your carbon monoxide detector, follow the manufacturers instructions. This may include pressing and holding the “test” button down until the alarm sounds. If the alarm does not sound, you may need to replace the batteries.
Remember to also keep your residents informed! Provide them with a smoke and carbon monoxide detector information sheet. Include tips on how they can easily prevent fires and carbon monoxide poisoning.
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