Smoke Alarms: Valuable Life-Saving Devices

10/13/2020 (Permalink)

Smoke Alarms

An effective smoke alarm system is often the difference between escaping a fire safely and suffering a tragedy. According to the National Fire Protection Association,

• 40 percent of home fire deaths happened in homes without a working smoke detector.
• 17 percent of home fire-related deaths happened in homes where the detector wasn't working.
• The rate of deaths is more than twice as high in homes without alarms than in homes with them.
• Dead batteries are a significant cause of fire alarm failures.
  
  

These statistics may be grim, but they make it clear that installing alarms appropriately and keeping them in good working condition is a life-saving habit.

Timely Signals for an Escape

The materials in today's home furnishings catch on fire much more quickly than the materials used in the past. This means that there's a very small window of time for household members to escape from a home fire. The signal of a smoke alarm should prompt each member of the home to move to their escape route.

Types of Detectors

There are several types of alarms to consider. For example, an ionization alarm is more sensitive to fast-moving flames, and a photoelectric smoke detector is best for responding to smoldering fires. For your family's safety, it's best to have a combination of types in your home. If you have young children, you may also want to consider voice alarms that are more effective at rousing children from sleep.

Consistent and Appropriate Maintenance

A key factor in keeping your fire alarm system in working condition is proper maintenance. For example, once a month you should push the test button. Replace the batteries twice a year. The alarms themselves should be replaced every ten years. Write the date of installation on the back of the alarm, so it's easy to remember when to replace the detectors.

Do you know the condition of your existing smoke alarm system? Avoid a visit from fire damage cleanup and restoration professionals by updating the system in your Park Ridge,IL, home.