The main purpose of a smoke alarm is to let you know if there’s smoke or a fire. It is, arguably the most important safety fixture in your home. While this is true, the National Fire Protection Association – NFPA – has found that at least five million homes throughout the U.S. still haven’t installed smoke alarms.
Security & Safety
The fact is, having a working smoke alarm can help to reduce the chances you will die due to a fire by 50 percent – or more. However, since most people have become so accustomed to this appliance, it’s easy to start taking it for granted and not realize how crucial it is to your security and safety.
Detecting smoke is the obvious job of a smoke detector. This includes anything from burnt food, improperly put out cigars or cigarettes, and even electrical fires. It’s your alarm that is going to go off at the first sign of trouble, letting you know about the fire before the flames spread to the other parts of the house. Also, many electrical fires occur as a spark that’s then followed by smoldering wires. With a properly functioning smoke alarm, you will have warning before the fire becomes so big and out of control you can’t get out. This is going to help protect you and your family.
If you want to optimize your safety if a fire were to occur, it’s a good idea to use the tips found here.
Install the Right Number of Smoke Alarms in Your Home
Generally, it’s expected that you will have a smoke alarm on each level of your home. However, it’s best to have one inside each bedroom, and outside of each sleeping area.
Teach Your Children Important Fire Safety Rules
A smoke alarm that functions properly isn’t useful if no one knows what to do if a fire occurs. If you have kids at home, make sure you teach them how to exit the house safely if there is a fire. Be sure to remind them not to stop to grab toys or any other belongings to take along. This is, after all, many children’s first instinct.
Test All Smoke Alarms Every Month
This is done easily by holding down the test button that is found on the front of most alarms. You can also opt to buy spray cans of smoke detector test aerosol. This is sold at the hardware store. The key is to make sure you clean the test material out of the alarm after it is tested so it doesn’t block the detectors ability to work in the future.
Install, Repair, or Replace Smoke Alarms in Your Home
It’s a good idea to use the services of a qualified electrician for help with this. They will help ensure your smoke alarms are installed properly and that they are working correctly. This is going to provide you with peace of mind that if a fire does occur, you and your family will have ample warning to get out.
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