How to Test Smoke Alarms With a Match

Fire safety experts recommend checking your smoke alarm once a month to make sure it will work in case of a fire emergency. While many modern alarms come with a built-in test button, you can use a match to test older alarms or smoke detectors that lack the test button feature.

Instructions

• 1

  Set up a steady ladder so that you can reach the smoke detector.

• 2

  Ask someone to hold the ladder so you can safely climb it.

• 3

  Strike your match away from the smoke detector.

• 4

  Shake or blow on the match to put out the flame.

• 5

  Climb your ladder to reach the smoke detector.

• 6

  Hold the smoking match end under the detector to activate the alarm. If the alarm sounds, your smoke detector is working. If not, replace the battery and again attempt the test.