How well do you know your smoke detectors? Chances are you don’t spend much time thinking about them when they’re not going off, and that’s pretty normal. But did you know that dust or particles can sometimes get trapped in smoke detectors, causing them to malfunction? It’s true- by properly cleaning your smoke detectors as needed, you can not only extend their lives, but also have a little extra insurance against any malfunctions or defects that could cause them not to work in the event of an emergency.

If you prefer to call in the pros for a smoke detector cleaning session, Integrity Fire Safety Services is happy to help! After all, it’s natural to feel a bit uncomfortable when it comes to cleaning your smoke detectors. However, for the DIY types who don’t mind a little smoke detector maintenance now and then, here is a step-by-step guide for thoroughly cleaning your smoke detectors when necessary.

1. Take your system offline. This is a very important step, as your system is designed to alert the local fire department if it is triggered. In order to avoid a visit from the fire department, make sure you disable the connection before you begin!
2. Bypass the system. Another important step in case the alarm is accidentally triggered during the cleaning process: by bypassing the system, you can ensure that no horns or flashing strobe lights will scare the tenants in your building, making them think it is an actual fire emergency.
3. Blow out the smoke detector. After carefully setting up and climbing a ladder, unscrew the smoke detector and blow it out with a can of compressed air. This should dislodge any dust and debris that may be interfering with the detector’s functionality. Once you have blown out the detector with a few blasts of canned air, be sure to replace it properly.

If the problem persists after following these steps, call Integrity Fire Safety Services to have a professional fire safety specialist examine the malfunctioning smoke detector. It is likely that there is either a wiring issue or the smoke detector is faulty and needs to be replaced. Be sure to jot down a make and model number or take a quick picture with the camera on your phone in order to help us arrive with the correct parts for the job.

Integrity Fire Safety Services wants to keep Denver-area buildings as safe as possible with our state-of-the-art fire safety solutions. Call us today at 303-557-1820 to see how we can help you!