What could potentially occur if smoke detectors are not regularly maintained?

Regular maintenance of smoke detectors is crucial for ensuring their proper functionality. If smoke detectors are not regularly maintained, they may fail to alert occupants during a fire. This failure can be attributed to factors such as dust accumulation, battery depletion, or malfunctioning components, which can impair the detector's ability to effectively sense smoke.

When smoke detectors are neglected, their accuracy and responsiveness diminish over time, making them less reliable when an emergency arises. This undermines one of the primary purposes of smoke detectors, which is to provide an early warning to occupants about potential fire hazards, giving them time to evacuate and seek safety. Regular checks and maintenance can help ensure that smoke detectors continue to function effectively and safeguard lives.