If you hear a faint "chirping" or "beeping" noise approximately every 30 seconds, your smoke detector is probably trying to tell you something: It's hungry! Some smoke detectors are built to sound a warning alarm when the battery power begins to run low. By chirping, the smoke detector is trying to get your attention and convince you to put a new battery inside it.

Anytime your detector goes off, it is important to pay attention. If the detector is sounding a loud alarm because it senses the presence of smoke, check your home thoroughly. If you smell smoke or are unable to locate a fire, call 911. If you don't smell smoke, the detector may be reacting to the presence of dust, steam, or a small insect. Dust and bugs can be removed by a vacuum cleaner. If the detector is just chirping, it probaly means that the battery is low.

Smoke detectors are designed to emit a "CHIRP" every few minutes when the battery is low. This is a warning that the battery should be replaced immediately.

Washington Alarm smoke detectors do not chirp; they communicate directly with our Central Station. If yours is chirping, the most common cause is that you have a simple battery-powered (usually 9-volt) smoke detector in need of a fresh battery.

You should test your smoke detector monthly. Most detectors have a button you can push to test them. Change the batteries in your smoke detector at least once a year. A handy way to remember to change your batteries is to do it when you change your clocks for daylight savings time. Smoke detectors should be replaced at least every ten years. Never disable your smoke detector by removing the batteries. Remember, a smoke detector that isn’t working can’t save you.

Smoke detectors should be placed outside each sleeping area and on every level of the home, including the basement. On floors without bedrooms, detectors should be installed in or near living areas such as dens, living rooms, or family rooms. Remember to test the detectors regularly!

Place smoke detectors in the corridors leading into bedrooms. Mount the detector in the middle of the ceiling or twelve inches down from the ceiling if mounted on a wall. If you live in a two-story home, place the detector at the top of the stairwell. Never place the detector close to a kitchen or bathroom. If possible, place a smoke detector on every level of the home.

Very, very little. If you have a photo-electric smoke detector, there is no radioactive substance in it. If you have the much more common "ionization" type, there is a radio-nuclide in it --- usually 1 micro-curie of americium-241. A micro-curie is one-millionth of one curie (Question 16). Americium-241 emits alpha particles (Question 17), which are kept inside the case. It also emits some gamma radiation which can penetrate the case.

Every smoke detector has a test button, usually in the center of the detector. Press the test button and hold it for a few seconds. If it is working correctly, the alarm will sound and will automatically stop when you release the button. Remember to test your smoke detector monthly and change the batteries twice a year.

The batteries must be replaced every six months, so we recommend that you change your smoke detector batteries every time you change your clocks. In addition to changing your smoke detector batteries, your smoke detectors must be tested. Although smoke detectors differ by model (please review your installation and owners manual), most can be tested by pressing and holding the test button on the unit. The smoke detector will usually beep several times.

Your smoke detector's manual should give you detailed instructions on how to test your smoke detector. Usually, this is done by pressing a button in the center of the smoke detector. If you press this button down for a few seconds and it beeps, than the battery should still be working. If the smoke detector does not beep, than replace the battery and test again.

Smoke detectors should be cleaned once or twice per year. You can do this with the brush attachment to your vacuum cleaner. NOTE: The detector may sound when you are cleaning it.

Once a year or sooner if the low battery alarm comes on. Pick a date to change the battery that will help your remember, like the date you change your clocks ahead in the spring.

If you elect to purchase smoke detectors that are to be connected to your home's electrical system, you should have a qualified electrician install them. If you purchase those that are solely battery powered, you can install them yourself with a screwdriver and a drill, but install them according to the manufacturer's instructions.