Tenants are required to test smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and immediately report any issues. The U.S. Fire Administration recommends every month and to replace batteries once or twice a year.
Below are step-by-step tips to check your detector.
1. Inform all family members that you are testing the alarms as it might frighten animals or small children.
2. Press and hold the “test” button on the device. It can take a few seconds but a loud and ear-piercing sound should begin.
3. If the sound is weak or nonexistent replace your batteries. Make sure to test the new batteries one final time to help ensure proper functioning following steps 1 and 2. You should make sure there is no dust or other substance blocking its grates on the detector which may prevent it from working even if the batteries are new.
4. If the batteries have been replaced and there is no dust on the detector but it is still not working report it as soon as possible to your property manager.