Tuesday September, 30 2025 @ 20:28

Nature: Automatic Fire Alarm – Residential Structure – John Adams Lane

Location: 16272 John Adams Lane Patriots Glen, DE 19966

 

On Tuesday evening, September 30th, the Indian River Volunteer Fire Company was alerted for an automatic fire alarm sounding in a residential structure on John Adams Lane in the Patriots Glen development off John J. Williams Highway.  It was reported to be an automatic fire alarm going off in the residential structure.

Emergency response units from Indian River include Tower 80 from the Oak Orchard facility and Engine 80 from the Long Neck facility as well as the Delaware State Fire Police.

Emergency response crews initiated and exterior evaluation of the residential structure and then commenced with an interior evaluation after discussing with the residential occupants.

It was identified that alarms were sounding throughout the residential structure.  It was identified that there was a faulty detector and this was identified to the homeowner for replacement.

All emergency response units were authorized to return.

 

What to Do If You Have a Nuisance or False Alarm…

First, determine the nature of the alarm sound to decide the appropriate action. Continuous, loud alarms signal an immediate fire threat, whereas persistent intermittent chirping points to a malfunction or maintenance issue.

Step 1: Prioritize safety

Always assume a continuous, full-volume alarm is a legitimate fire threat until you can confirm otherwise.

• If the alarm is loud and continuous, check your home for any signs of fire. If you find one, evacuate immediately and call 911.

• If there is no smoke or fire, proceed to the troubleshooting steps below. Use the alarm's "hush" or "silence" button to temporarily quiet it while you investigate.

Step 2: Troubleshoot the cause

Most persistent false alarms or chirps are caused by common, fixable problems.

A.  Low battery

Even hardwired alarms have a backup battery that can trigger chirping when low.

• Action: Replace the battery with a fresh one. For hardwired units, be sure to switch off the power at the circuit breaker first. After installing the new battery, press and hold the "Test/Hush" button for 15–20 seconds to reset the sensor and clear any residual charge.

B.  Old or expired unit

Smoke detectors have a lifespan of about 10 years, after which they can become unreliable and trigger false alarms.

• Action: Locate the manufacturing date on the back of the unit. If it is older than 10 years, replace the entire alarm.

C.  Dust, dirt, or insects

Accumulated debris inside the sensor chamber can interfere with its operation.

• Action: Gently clean the alarm by vacuuming around its vents using a soft brush attachment. Do not use cleaning sprays.

D.  Environmental factors

Steam from a bathroom, humidity, or particles from cooking can set off a sensitive detector.

• Action: Use a "hush" button to silence the alarm temporarily. Improve ventilation in the area by opening a window or running a fan. If this is a frequent issue, consider relocating the detector farther away from sources of steam or cooking fumes.

E.  Electrical issues (for hardwired alarms)

A power surge or loose wiring can cause hardwired alarms to go off incorrectly.

• Action: If your alarms go off during a power outage or when power is restored, it could be a simple interruption. If problems persist, a loose wire may be to blame. A full reset by cycling the power at the circuit breaker may fix the issue. For persistent problems, call an electrician.

Step 3: Call for help

If you've tried all the troubleshooting steps and the alarm continues, it may be time to seek professional help.

• Call an electrician: An electrician can diagnose and fix faulty wiring for hardwired systems.

• Consult the manufacturer: The manufacturer's instructions or technical support may offer specific advice for your model.

• Consult with the alarm subscription providers to dispatch a service repairman