If you asked someone if they have checked their fire alarm recently then you would probably be told no. Most people know the necessity of having a fire alarm system in their Illinois home or business but not all people understand the importance of checking and testing their fire alarm system on a regular basis. This important task is often overlooked simply because people either don’t remember to do it or they just don’t have time. If you have been living somewhere for more than a year and you can’t remember the last time you checked your fire alarm system then it is probably time to take care of that task and make sure your system is functioning properly.
How Often do I Need to Test My Fire Alarm System in Illinois?
Regularly checking and testing your fire alarm system is key to making sure it continues to operate correctly and keeps you safe. You should have your home fire alarm tested every 6 to 12 months. If you have a public building such as a school, business, office or store the alarm system should be checked more often. If you do not regularly check your fire alarm system then the system may work properly in the event of a fire.
When Should I Replace My Fire Alarm System?
Fire alarm systems are meant to last 10 to 15 years. After this time it may get harder and more expensive to find the right parts you need for your system. Also if your fire alarm system no longer operates correctly then it is time for a replacement. In the case of smoke detector it is probably a good idea to replace these after ten years as the sensitivity can become weaker over time. This can cause the system to go off whenever there is any smoke at all, not just when there is a fire. Replacing or repairing your current fire alarm system could be costly depending on how large a space the fire alarm system encompasses. In the case of a business you will have to perform periodical safety inspections. Your fire alarm system must be up to date and up to code. This means that sometimes you will have to replace your fire alarm system or update it. Another thing that most businesses should have is a sprinkler system to help keep flames contained and limit the amount of damages if a fire breaks out.
