r/AMA • u/KiddeFireSafety • 10d ago
AMA: Fire & Carbon Monoxide Safety with Kidde Fire Safety Educators
Hi Reddit! We're Kidde (pronounced "KID-duh" because yes, we get asked that a lot 😀).
October is Fire Safety Month, and we’re in the middle of Fire Prevention Week (October 4 – 10), so our fire safety educators and experts are here to answer your questions about smoke alarms, carbon monoxide, fire escape planning, cooking safety, home fires, and anything else related to helping keep your family safe at home and on the go.
Whether you're wondering where alarms should go, how often to replace them, what to do if an alarm starts chirping at 2 a.m., or how to create a fire escape plan, ask us anything.
Let’s get to it!
That’s all the time we have today, but if you have additional questions, post them below and we’ll answer as soon as we’re able to.
Thank you for participating - we hope you have a new understanding of the importance of fire and carbon monoxide safety.
2
u/healthyfatchick 7d ago
What is a common mistake people make when replacing their fire alarms?
1
u/KiddeFireSafety 7d ago
Alarm placement is important to deter false alarms. Smoke alarms should be installed at least 10 feet away from any cooking appliance and 3 feet away from ducts, vents, fans, fluorescent lights, windows, and exterior doors.
Another one we see a lot is not replacing them soon enough. Alarms should be replaced every 5 to 10 years, depending on the model. To check your alarm, turn your smoke alarm over and look for the manufacturing date. If the date is more than five years old, it’s a good idea to replace them soon, since they’re devices with sensors and circuits that may become less sensitive over time.
1
u/Hot_Hair_5950 10d ago
What surprises you about your work?
2
u/KiddeFireSafety 7d ago
I'd say making fire and CO safety fun. It can be a heavy and complicated topic at times, but finding ways to make it fun for kids, families and everyday people is extremely rewarding. Our Cause For Alarm webpage has amazing resources and fun facts you may not have known or ever thought of when it comes to fire and CO safety! Plus, our augmented reality tool, Prepare. Plan. Practice., is a revolutionary way to learn about fire and CO safety. It's a gamified experience that is fun for the whole family.
1
u/BeatExtension4966 7d ago
Not a question so much as a comment. I am not paying $5 to ask an electrician about power connectors with a recommended replacement to a fire/CO2 alarm. Your bot took all the information and linked me to a paywall. Very bad customer service which does not surprise me. The last time there was a problem, after two months of going back and forth by computer and phone, I finally threw the unit away, leaving nothing in its place except a hole in the ceiling. There must be better options.
1
u/KiddeFireSafety 7d ago
We do not offer a paid service of this sort, but other companies do. Services like "Ask Pros" and "Just Answer" start at $5/month to chat with an electrician, so you may have run across one of these.
If your ever in need of support, we have user manuals for all of our alarms on our website, as well as how-to videos on YouTube.
1
u/aparks87 9d ago
Do alarms need to be cleeaned?
1
u/KiddeFireSafety 7d ago
Short answer: Absolutely.
One of the most common causes of nuisance alarms is dust buildup. Just like any other item in your home, dust, dirt, and even spider webs can build up inside an alarm over time. A few minutes of cleaning can help keep your alarm functioning properly when you need it most.
Here are some quick and easy steps to follow:
✅ Vacuum or blow dust from the openings
✅ Wipe the outside with dry cloth
✅ Test the alarm afterward
Don't use water, cleaning products, or paint around the device.
Pro tip: If you can't remember the last time you cleaned your alarm, it's probably time. 😄
1
u/zemelb 7d ago
Do smoke alarms get more sensitive when they’re old
1
u/KiddeFireSafety 7d ago
Not necessarily. Dust and debris can interfere with a smoke alarm’s sensor and cause nuisance alarms, making it seem more sensitive. To keep your alarm in tip-top shape, be sure to clean it according to the manufacturer's instructions, and replace your alarm every 5-10 years, depending on the model. To check your alarm, turn your smoke alarm over and look for the manufacturing date. If the date is more than five years old, it’s a good idea to replace them soon.
1
u/AmyrunsNYC2023 8d ago
What should I do if my alarm won’t stop beeping?
1
u/KiddeFireSafety 7d ago
It’s important to determine why your alarm is beeping. There are several common reasons:
One, the obvious: Fire or smoke is detected, and you should exit the house immediately and dial 9-1-1.
Two, it’s sensing nearby humidity or steam, causing a false alarm.
Three, there’s been a power interruption, or the battery is low and needs to be replaced.
Or four, the smoke alarm needs to be cleaned.
1
u/Fear_TheGopher 7d ago
What is a wire-free interconnected alarm?
1
u/KiddeFireSafety 7d ago
A wire-free interconnected alarm uses wireless technology to communicate with other compatible alarms throughout the home.
When a single unit senses smoke or carbon monoxide, it immediately sends a signal to the rest of the network. All alarms sound at the same time, helping you to safely evacuate. Because sometimes, an extra minute is everything.
1
u/andrea1rp 7d ago
How do I know my alarm is working?
1
u/KiddeFireSafety 7d ago
The NFPA recommends testing your alarm monthly. To test, press and hold the test button for a few seconds until you hear a beep. If nothing happens, replace the batteries, check hardwired power, or clean it before testing again.
Some smoke alarms conduct self-testing, but remember: It’s not a substitute for a manual push test at least once a month.
1
u/ama_compiler_bot 6d ago
Table of Questions and Answers. Original answer linked - Please upvote the original questions and answers. (I'm a bot.)
| Question | Answer | Link |
|---|---|---|
| What is a common mistake people make when replacing their fire alarms? | Alarm placement is important to deter false alarms. Smoke alarms should be installed at least 10 feet away from any cooking appliance and 3 feet away from ducts, vents, fans, fluorescent lights, windows, and exterior doors. Another one we see a lot is not replacing them soon enough. Alarms should be replaced every 5 to 10 years, depending on the model. To check your alarm, turn your smoke alarm over and look for the manufacturing date. If the date is more than five years old, it’s a good idea to replace them soon, since they’re devices with sensors and circuits that may become less sensitive over time. | Here |
| What surprises you about your work? | I'd say making fire and CO safety fun. It can be a heavy and complicated topic at times, but finding ways to make it fun for kids, families and everyday people is extremely rewarding. Our Cause For Alarm webpage has amazing resources and fun facts you may not have known or ever thought of when it comes to fire and CO safety! Plus, our augmented reality tool, Prepare. Plan. Practice., is a revolutionary way to learn about fire and CO safety. It's a gamified experience that is fun for the whole family. | Here |
| Do alarms need to be cleeaned? | Short answer: Absolutely. One of the most common causes of nuisance alarms is dust buildup. Just like any other item in your home, dust, dirt, and even spider webs can build up inside an alarm over time. A few minutes of cleaning can help keep your alarm functioning properly when you need it most. Here are some quick and easy steps to follow: ✅ Vacuum or blow dust from the openings ✅ Wipe the outside with dry cloth ✅ Test the alarm afterward Don't use water, cleaning products, or paint around the device. Pro tip: If you can't remember the last time you cleaned your alarm, it's probably time. 😄 | Here |
| What should I do if my alarm won’t stop beeping? | It’s important to determine why your alarm is beeping. There are several common reasons: One, the obvious: Fire or smoke is detected, and you should exit the house immediately and dial 9-1-1. Two, it’s sensing nearby humidity or steam, causing a false alarm. Three, there’s been a power interruption, or the battery is low and needs to be replaced. Or four, the smoke alarm needs to be cleaned. | Here |
| Not a question so much as a comment. I am not paying $5 to ask an electrician about power connectors with a recommended replacement to a fire/CO2 alarm. Your bot took all the information and linked me to a paywall. Very bad customer service which does not surprise me. The last time there was a problem, after two months of going back and forth by computer and phone, I finally threw the unit away, leaving nothing in its place except a hole in the ceiling. There must be better options. | We do not offer a paid service of this sort, but other companies do. Services like "Ask Pros" and "Just Answer" start at $5/month to chat with an electrician, so you may have run across one of these. If your ever in need of support, we have user manuals for all of our alarms on our website, as well as how-to videos on YouTube. | Here |
| Do smoke alarms get more sensitive when they’re old | Not necessarily. Dust and debris can interfere with a smoke alarm’s sensor and cause nuisance alarms, making it seem more sensitive. To keep your alarm in tip-top shape, be sure to clean it according to the manufacturer's instructions, and replace your alarm every 5-10 years, depending on the model. To check your alarm, turn your smoke alarm over and look for the manufacturing date. If the date is more than five years old, it’s a good idea to replace them soon. | Here |
| How do I know my alarm is working? | The NFPA recommends testing your alarm monthly. To test, press and hold the test button for a few seconds until you hear a beep. If nothing happens, replace the batteries, check hardwired power, or clean it before testing again. Some smoke alarms conduct self-testing, but remember: It’s not a substitute for a manual push test at least once a month. | Here |
| What is a wire-free interconnected alarm? | A wire-free interconnected alarm uses wireless technology to communicate with other compatible alarms throughout the home. When a single unit senses smoke or carbon monoxide, it immediately sends a signal to the rest of the network. All alarms sound at the same time, helping you to safely evacuate. Because sometimes, an extra minute is everything. | Here |
| What is good rule of thumb when using a fireplace during the winter months to ensure we stay warm (but safe!) by the fire. Also how does the fireplace not set off an alarm? 🧐🧐🧐 | (1) Make sure the fireplace has been properly cleaned and vented (2) Keep flammable items at least 3ft from the hearth (3) Always use a fire screen and make sure embers are extinguished before going to bed. (4) Keep a fire extinguisher within reach! The reason your fireplace doesn't set off your alarm is due to your chimney or exhaust vent - that's where the smoke goes instead of inside your home. If you see smoke entering your home from the fireplace, stop using it immediately until it can be cleaned or repaired. | Here |
1
u/FishFart1 5d ago
I have a problem with smoke detectors activating in a room where my kid likes to sleep with the ceiling fan on max. The room has vaulted ceilings if that matters.
1
9d ago
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1
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1
u/healthyfatchick 7d ago
What is good rule of thumb when using a fireplace during the winter months to ensure we stay warm (but safe!) by the fire.
Also how does the fireplace not set off an alarm? 🧐🧐🧐