Fire alarms are designed to alert people in the event of a fire. Most fire alarms work by detecting smoke or heat. When triggered, it will sound an alarm to alert people to the fire.
If you’re like most people, the fire alarm going off is probably one of your biggest fears. And unfortunately, it’s also a fear that’s becoming more and more common as false alarms are rising. So what should you do if the fire alarm keeps going off? Here are a few tips to help you stay safe.
Clean the Dust from Sensors
One commercial fire alarm problem that is often overlooked is dirty sensors. If you live in a dusty atmosphere, the chances are that your commercial fire alarm’s sensors are covered in dust. This dust can prevent the sensor from properly detecting smoke, which can cause the fire alarm to go off unnecessarily. To clean the dust from your commercial fire alarm’s sensors, use a can of compressed air to blow the dust away.
Check for Obstructions
Another common commercial fire alarm problem is obstructions. If there is something in the way between the sensor and the smoke, the sensor may not be able to detect the smoke properly. This can cause the fire alarm to go off unnecessarily. Look at the path between the sensor and the smoke to check for obstructions. If you see anything that could be blocking the path, remove it.
Replace Batteries
If your commercial fire alarm is going off frequently, the chances are that the batteries are low. Most commercial fire alarms use batteries as a backup power source, so the batteries will take over if the power goes out. However, if the batteries are low, the commercial fire alarm may not be able to detect smoke properly. To replace the batteries, just remove the old ones and replace them with new ones.
Humidity and Steam
If the fire alarm is triggered by moisture or steam, there are a few things you can do:
- Open a window or door to try and ventilate the room.
- Turn off any appliances that may be producing steam or moisture.
- To remove excess moisture from the air, use a dehumidifier.
- Wipe down any wet surfaces to remove any water vapor.
- Check the fire alarm to make sure it is functioning properly.
Smoke or Soot
If the fire alarm is going off due to smoke or soot, you will need to take immediate action:
- Leave the building immediately and go to a safe location
- Do not try to extinguish the fire yourself
- Call the fire department
- Once you are outside, do not re-enter the building until the fire department arrives and gives you the all-clear.
Save The Alarm FromInsects
If you have a fire alarm that keeps going off, There are a few things you can attempt to resolve the issue. First of all, check if there are any insects near the alarm. Sometimes insects can get into the alarm and cause it to go off. If you see any insects, try to remove them from the area.
Check The Alarm Life Span
If your fire alarm is more than 10 years old, it may be time to replace it. Check the fire alarm’s manufacturer’s date on the back and compare it to the current date. If the fire alarm is more than 10 years old, it’s time to replace it.
Reset The Alarm
If your fire alarm keeps going off, you should first check to see if there is an actual fire. If there is no fire, you will need to reset the alarm. To do this, find the main power switch for the alarm and turn it off. Please wait a few minutes and then turn it back on. This should reset the alarm. If the alarm keeps going off, you should contact a professional to help you troubleshoot the problem.
Common Reasons for False Alarm
- Cooking smoke
- Steam from showers or baths
- Dust
- Insects
- Brief power surges
If your fire alarm is going off frequently, it could be due to the above reasons. To stop a false fire alarm, you can try the following tips:
- Make sure to open a window when cooking to help ventilate the smoke.
- Keep your shower doors and bathroom windows open when showering to let the steam escape.
- Clean your fire alarm regularly to prevent dust from setting it off.
- Use insect repellent near your fire alarm to keep insects from flying into it.
- Check your circuit breaker to discover if the fire alarm is being triggered by a power surge.
If you’ve tried all of the suggestions above and your fire alarm is still going off frequently, you should contact a professional for help.
