First, try the reset button on each smoke alarm. If that doesn't work, flip the circuit breaker off and on. If that fails, you may have to disconnect the smoke alarms and remove the backup batteries inside them one by one. (The batteries are there to protect you during a power outage.)
False alarms occur when the device detects other particles in the air. Common false alarms are typically due to excess steam from a bathroom or kitchen, dust build up inside the sensor, or (rarely) a tiny bug finding its way inside.
Reset the Smoke Detector: Sometimes, a smoke detector just needs a good reset to stop the chirping. You can do this by turning off the power at the circuit breaker, removing the detector from the mounting bracket and disconnecting the power supply. Then, press and hold the test button for about 15 seconds.
Yes, you should call the fire department if your fire alarms go off, even if you can't see a fire. Smoke alarms are designed to detect smoke or heat and can alert you to dangerous situations that may not be immediately visible. It's better to err on the side of caution.
You may get a false alarm if the battery life is fading or if the detector isn't properly connected. To check the battery, remove the outer casing and check to ensure that the old battery is properly connected. If so, it's a good idea to replace the batteries.
A low battery is the most frequent reason smoke detectors beep randomly. These devices are programmed to emit a short chirp every 30 to 60 seconds when the battery is running low. This ensures you're alerted to replace the battery before the detector stops functioning entirely.
The Police will also respond to domestic alarms, when there is some evidence of criminal activity. Should there be an activation and there is evidence of criminal activity or you see something suspicious, please dial 999. It is not advisable to put yourself in danger by making checks yourself.
Some fire departments offer reduced-price, or even free, smoke alarms. Contact your local fire department's nonemergency phone number for more information. Your city, county or state may require a specific type of alarm.
Fires can produce carbon monoxide, so a smoke alarm won't always detect this gas. On the other hand, carbon monoxide can be present without any visible smoke or flames, making a smoke alarm insufficient for protection.
It may just be dirty, you can blow it out with canned air, but if it continues then replace. If the smoke alarms are over 10 years old, they should be replaced anyway. Clear the active detector by pressing the test button, don't hold it or it will go back into alarm.
Excess moisture in the air can mimic smoke, causing alarms to activate. If humidity levels exceed 85%, false alarms are more likely. To combat this, ensure your home is well-ventilated. A hairdryer can be used to gently blow warm air through the smoke alarm to dry out any moisture buildup.
The problem could be as simple as a low or dead battery in one of your sensors, which can trigger burglar and smoke alarms. Pets could also be the culprit — if your sensors aren't calibrated properly or don't have advanced pet detection features.
Evacuation Procedure
Upon hearing the alarm or you are instructed to leave by the fire team, you should leave the building immediately by the nearest exit and meet at the designated meeting place opposite the main entrance on the Rope Walk on the other side of the road.
1. My smoke alarm is going off constantly, but I do not see any smoke or fire. What should I do? Call 911 and report what you know.
If your alarm is going off as though there's a fire, then regardless of whether you know what has caused it, you should dial 999 and ask for the fire service.
All your fire alarms might be going off because of low batteries, dust or insects inside the alarms, steam or humidity, or a malfunction. Try resetting them, replacing the batteries, and cleaning the alarms. If they keep going off, you might need to replace old alarms or check for wiring issues.
High humidity could be causing the smoke alarm to false alarm. Water vapours can develop inside the smoke sensor causing smoke alarms to react the same way as it does smoke. Once humidity reaches 85%, false alarms could frequently occur. Insects and dust are a common cause of false alarms.
High Humidity and Steam
Thus, the density of the moisture particles can trigger your alarm, even if they're water particles. If you have high humidity in your home, use fans or windows to dissipate the humidity. Dense water vapor is like humidity when it comes to triggering false alarms.
Most smoke detector and fire alarm models will include a “silence” function. Press this, and the beeping will stop. If the smoke detector/fire alarm continues to pick up on smoke after a short period has elapsed, the beeping noise will start again to ensure your safety.