Did you realize that two thirds of fatalities in the home are in homes where there are no smoke alarms present or, if there are, they aren't working.
It's really a critical point as countless studies show that having working smoke alarms installed is what it means to be alive or dead. And not only do they need to be installed they must work, everyday, throughout each year.
Smoke alarms on the market fall into one of two categories - photoelectric and ionization.
It is difficult to say which type is better because they are meant to detect different types of home fires. Most fire prevention experts recommend that residences should install both photoelectric and ionization types. Alternatively, install dual sensor alarms containing both photoelectric and ionization sensors.
There are also smoke alarms for people with hearing disabilities. These alarms typically contain vibrating mechanisms, and/or flashing lights, to alert people who would not be able to hear a standard smoke alarm.
There are smoke alarms which operate solely on batteries, and there are alarms which you hardwire into your home electrical circuits.
Battery operated alarms run on standard throw away batteries. But you can also get lithium batteries which can last as long as ten years.
Even with smoke alarms that need to be wired to an electrical system, backup batteries are usually present and should be replaced from time to time.
Whichever type of smoke alarm you choose for your home, remember that the batteries will need to be tested regularly and replaced as often as needed.
I would honestly recommend you seriously consider fitting lithium batteries as, not only do you not have to check the batteries so often, but you increase the chances of your batteries not failing. It's possible to get a good single performance alarm for about US$ 20+ and combined alarms (photoelectric + ionization) for about US$ 40+.
Of course, cost is secondary to the value of a life it might save. So don't be silly by trying to skimp.
Every level of your home needs protection so you will need to include alarms at each. Make sure you do not forget to fit an alarm in the basement also. Fires don't knock at the door and ask to be invited in, they start quietly whilst you are blissfully unaware. It's important to ensure you have the bedrooms covered, the hallways, and the lounge where you spent a lot of your day.
Keep in mind that smoke and other toxic fumes emanating from fires tend to rise up, so install the alarms in ceilings to be alerted as early as possible. Experts recommend that you follow the manufacturer's installation guide closely while installing smoke alarms in your home and it's always wise to use a certified electrician for the installation.
After you have installed your alarms make a commitment to ensure they are maintained on a quarterly basis (at least inspected). Check batteries in particular. Batteries should be replaced each year. And all alarms should be renewed once every 10 years.
Never disable a smoke alarm that is irritating you or which goes off by mistake. Many people remove the batteries, fatally. Do the following instead:
Press the 'hush' button whilst you open any doors and windows to remove any steam, cigarette, or cooking smoke.
Clear the air around the alarm by waving a towel.
Some alarms have a simple latch holding it into place, which you can unlatch to enable you to temporarily re-site it out of reach of any issues which are causing it to malfunction (but make sure you put it back in its original location afterwards).
A classic event is a Smoke Alarm which starts beeping. This is a warning sign that the alarm is not working properly. So act right away. Usually it beeps because the battery is faulty and needs to be renewed. However it can also be caused by dust which should be vacuumed away from the alarm. And it can also result from a fault in the alarm itself - get it checked out.
Whatever happens you must not leave your smoke alarm beeping, and you must never disable it to give you some peace. Read the first paragraph above again - an alarm disabled is an alarm that doesn't work. And having no alarm will unprotect your family.
It's really a critical point as countless studies show that having working smoke alarms installed is what it means to be alive or dead. And not only do they need to be installed they must work, everyday, throughout each year.
Smoke alarms on the market fall into one of two categories - photoelectric and ionization.
It is difficult to say which type is better because they are meant to detect different types of home fires. Most fire prevention experts recommend that residences should install both photoelectric and ionization types. Alternatively, install dual sensor alarms containing both photoelectric and ionization sensors.
There are also smoke alarms for people with hearing disabilities. These alarms typically contain vibrating mechanisms, and/or flashing lights, to alert people who would not be able to hear a standard smoke alarm.
There are smoke alarms which operate solely on batteries, and there are alarms which you hardwire into your home electrical circuits.
Battery operated alarms run on standard throw away batteries. But you can also get lithium batteries which can last as long as ten years.
Even with smoke alarms that need to be wired to an electrical system, backup batteries are usually present and should be replaced from time to time.
Whichever type of smoke alarm you choose for your home, remember that the batteries will need to be tested regularly and replaced as often as needed.
I would honestly recommend you seriously consider fitting lithium batteries as, not only do you not have to check the batteries so often, but you increase the chances of your batteries not failing. It's possible to get a good single performance alarm for about US$ 20+ and combined alarms (photoelectric + ionization) for about US$ 40+.
Of course, cost is secondary to the value of a life it might save. So don't be silly by trying to skimp.
Every level of your home needs protection so you will need to include alarms at each. Make sure you do not forget to fit an alarm in the basement also. Fires don't knock at the door and ask to be invited in, they start quietly whilst you are blissfully unaware. It's important to ensure you have the bedrooms covered, the hallways, and the lounge where you spent a lot of your day.
Keep in mind that smoke and other toxic fumes emanating from fires tend to rise up, so install the alarms in ceilings to be alerted as early as possible. Experts recommend that you follow the manufacturer's installation guide closely while installing smoke alarms in your home and it's always wise to use a certified electrician for the installation.
After you have installed your alarms make a commitment to ensure they are maintained on a quarterly basis (at least inspected). Check batteries in particular. Batteries should be replaced each year. And all alarms should be renewed once every 10 years.
Never disable a smoke alarm that is irritating you or which goes off by mistake. Many people remove the batteries, fatally. Do the following instead:
Press the 'hush' button whilst you open any doors and windows to remove any steam, cigarette, or cooking smoke.
Clear the air around the alarm by waving a towel.
Some alarms have a simple latch holding it into place, which you can unlatch to enable you to temporarily re-site it out of reach of any issues which are causing it to malfunction (but make sure you put it back in its original location afterwards).
A classic event is a Smoke Alarm which starts beeping. This is a warning sign that the alarm is not working properly. So act right away. Usually it beeps because the battery is faulty and needs to be renewed. However it can also be caused by dust which should be vacuumed away from the alarm. And it can also result from a fault in the alarm itself - get it checked out.
Whatever happens you must not leave your smoke alarm beeping, and you must never disable it to give you some peace. Read the first paragraph above again - an alarm disabled is an alarm that doesn't work. And having no alarm will unprotect your family.
About the Author:
Douglas Barker is renowned for brief, but complete, key fact sheets which are critical to understanding crucial skills to protect your family. This includes his useful advice at the First Alert Smoke Alarm site, where you can also discover how to resolve a Smoke Alarm Beeping.
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