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July 15, 2021 You’re going about your day — making dinner, doing laundry, or just lounging — when you notice your smoke detector blinking red. You start to worry that it’s broken or that it’s detected a fire but the alarm isn’t going off. Don’t panic — there are a lot of reasons a smoke detector could start to blink red. Different manufacturers use static and blinking lights to help indicate if a smoke detector is working properly, needs replacement, or simply needs maintenance. Check out a few of the reasons your smoke detector might start blinking red and learn how to install and maintain one in your home. Reasons Your Smoke Detector Might be Blinking RedMost smoke detectors have an indicator light that is used to keep you updated on the status of your alarm. You should always read the instructions that come with a smoke detector to better understand what different light colors and blinking patterns mean for that model and brand. Knowing how each part of your fire safety equipment works — including indicator lights — can help you protect your family and property from fire. A smoke detector blinking red could mean:
Smoke Detector Maintenance TipsAlthough smoke detectors require a lot less maintenance than a lot of safety equipment, you still need to regularly check your detectors to make sure they’re working. Regularly testing and maintaining your smoke alarms lowers the risk of a false alarm — or worse — an alarm that doesn’t go off when a fire starts.
Protecting Your Home from Fire DamageYour smoke detectors are an important safety feature in your home. Whether you’re a homeowner or renter, making sure your smoke detectors work properly can help you stay safe in case of a fire. When you hear your smoke detector alarm go off, check your home for signs of a fire. If you find signs of a serious fire, leave the home immediately. Don’t try to grab your belongings or change clothes. Once in a safe location, call the fire department to come and put out the flames. While your smoke detector can’t stop a fire from starting or spreading, they do reduce your risk of being injured in a fire. If a fire does start, your insurance should help cover the cost of damages to your home and belongings. Be sure that you have adequate homeowners insurance or renters coverage now so you’re protected in case of a fire. Talk with your Wawanesa agent to learn more about property coverage and its importance in a fire today. Share this articleDisclaimer:The above content is for informational purposes only and is not a direct representation of coverages offered by Wawanesa or its policies. The information does not refer to any specific contract of insurance and does not modify any definitions, provisions, exclusions or limitations expressly stated in any contracts of insurance. All references within the above content are illustrative and may not apply to your situation. The terms and conditions of the actual insurance policy or policies involved in a claim are determinative as to whether an accident or other loss is covered. To understand the coverage under your current policy, please log into the account management platform to review your policy or contact an agent directly. Why is my carbon monoxide alarm flashing red?When the CO Alarm detects abnormal levels of CO (above 50ppm CO) the red light starts to flash and the horn will sound within 90 minutes. At higher levels of CO the alarm will turn on sooner (see Table B - page 4). The CO Alarm will automatically reset once the CO has cleared.
What does a red blinking light mean on a First Alert smoke detector?If your smoke detector is blinking red, it means that the batteries are low. While this can happen with all smoke detectors, it's more often the case with First Alert smoke detectors, since they are known for their exceptionally long battery life.
Why is my carbon monoxide detector beeping and flashing red?Replace or Check the Battery
Usually, the annoying beeping caused by a carbon monoxide detector is to alert you about a malfunctioning battery. If the old battery requires changing or it's slipped out of place, the unit will chirp. Try reinstalling the battery or replacing it, and then reset your device.
Why does my smoke alarm keep going off and flashing red?If your smoke detector has a blinking red light that flashes every 10 seconds, it means that it is reacting from the after-effects of smoke and is in a temporary desensitized state. When the smoke is no longer heavy in the air, the smoke detector should silence its alarm and the red light will start blinking.
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