New Year Reminder: City Asks Residents to Check Batteries in Alarms, Smoke Detectors

The reminds residents and interested parties that the New Year is an excellent time to check the batteries in their home security systems, smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors and change them if necessary. 

"The safety and security of our residents is the city's highest priority," Community Relations Manager Nadja Lalvani said. "Through proactive efforts, residents can help reduce home fire-related injuries and fatalities and false alarms. I encourage everyone to start off the New Year with a safety check of their home alarms and detectors to help ensure a safe 2012 for all."

Non-working smoke alarms rob residents of the protective benefits home fire safety devices were designed to provide. The most commonly cited cause of non-working smoke alarms are worn or missing batteries. Changing smoke alarm batteries at least once a year, testing those alarms monthly and reminding friends and family members to do the same are some of the simplest, most effective ways to reduce fire-related deaths and injuries. Additionally, the Naperville Fire Department recommends that smoke alarms as well as carbon monoxide detectors in homes should be replaced every 10 years.

Residents should note that almost all security alarm systems have a rechargeable battery that powers the system for a minimum of four hours in the event of a power outage. Wireless systems may contain several batteries in the system's sensors as well as a backup system battery. Backup systems have a useful life of approximately three to five years, and system batteries should be checked annually or after any storm-related false alarm by an alarm technician and replaced when needed.

By proactively checking security system batteries, residents can help reduce false alarms in the community. On average, the responds to more than 3,000 false alarms per year. When public safety agencies respond to false alarms and no evidence of criminal activity or fire is found, this can divert personnel from actual emergencies and community policing activities.