Every smoke alarm has an expiration date Published Oct. 3, 2016 By Staff Sgt. Larry P. Diaz 20th Civil Engineer Squadron fire department SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C.— -- According to the National Fire Protection Association your home likely has a fire alarm; it is imperative to monitor the age of the alarm. The 20th Civil Engineer Squadron fire department urges all Shaw Air Force Base residents to know how old their smoke alarms are, and to replace them every 10 years. A recent survey conducted by NFPA revealed that only a small percentage of people know how old their smoke alarms are, or how often they need to be replaced. This lack of awareness is a concern for the 20th CES fire department, NFPA, and fire departments throughout the country. It is important to remember because smoke alarms do not last forever. “Time and again, I’ve seen the life-saving impact smoke alarms can have in a home fire, but I’ve also seen the tragedy that can result when smoke alarms aren’t working properly,” said Michael Davis, 20th CES fire inspector. “That’s why we’re making a concerted effort to educate Shaw AFB residents about the overall importance of smoke alarms, and that they do have a life limit.” NFPA National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code 72 requires smoke alarms be replaced at least every 10 years from the manufacture date located on the back of the alarm. Because the public is generally unaware of this requirement, many homes have expired smoke alarms, putting people at an increased risk for discovering a fire too late. The 20th CES fire department also recommends homeowners test smoke alarms monthly and replace batteries once a year or when they begin to chirp, signaling they are running low. As the official sponsor of Fire Prevention Week for more than 90 years, NFPA is promoting this year’s campaign: “Don’t Wait - Check the Date! Replace Smoke Alarms Every 10 Years,” to better educate the public about the critical importance of knowing the age of their smoke alarms and when to replace them. This year Fire Prevention Week is October 9-15. The 20th CES fire department is hosting an information booth at the Shaw Base Exchange, Oct. 10-13 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in support of Fire Prevention Week. The event is scheduled to include a smoke trailer, extinguisher trainer, and evacuation demonstrations. Also, to close out the week, a firefighter combat challenge is scheduled Oct. 14, at 9 a.m. at the base theater parking lot. For more information on smoke alarms and this year’s Fire Prevention Week campaign, visit www.firepreventionweek.org.