What Every Family Should Know About Their Smoke Detectors and Fire Alarms

Fire is a destructive force that takes lives each and every year through fires in the home. Long ago, fire would easily start in homes due to burning candles and fires in the fireplace. Back then, they did not have the luxury of owning the fire warning systems that we have today. Most people do not even consider that they may someday be a victim of a house fire. Because of this, many people underestimate or even neglect the importance of owning a smoke alarm system in their home. Here is a bit of helpful information pertaining to smoke detectors within the home:

There are several different kinds of smoke alarm systems. How do you know to choose the right one? Knowing a bit about them may help you decide what is best for you and your home. First, there are ionization smoke alarms. These tend to respond more quickly to a fast fire that moves very quickly. Photoelectric alarms are particularly sensitive to slow fires, such as smoldering and smoky flames. Finally, there is what we call a dual sensor smoke alarm, which combines both ionization and photoelectric alarms into one all-purpose device. Some smoke alarms are also made with the hearing-impaired in mind. These smoke alarms may vibrate or have flashing strobe lights in order to properly notify people of danger.

Most fires in the home occur late at night or early in the morning; winter time also sees more home fires occurring. Because of this, you should place fire alarms on each level of your house, including the basement and attic. You will never know where a fire might begin, and you want to have the quickest warning as possible. For more guidance, be sure to carefully read the smoke alarm manual, and follow the instructions closely to ensure proper installment.

Smoke alarms can be purchased almost anywhere…hardware stores, home supply stores, general merchandise stores, and online companies that specialize in fire safety. If you like, you can call your local fire department (the non-emergency number) and see if they offer smoke alarms for little to no cost if you are trying to save some money.

Remember, correct maintenance of a smoke alarm is absolutely necessary, and cannot be ignored. When smoke alarm batteries begin to die, the alarm will often emit an obnoxious, loud chirping noise that lets you know the batteries need to be replaced. When you hear this noise, change the batteries as soon as you possibly can. It is easy to forget once the batteries die, and it could literally mean the difference between life and death for those in your family.

Owning a smoke alarm is necessary and is required by law in most areas. The safety of your family is top priority, and owning a fire alarm will help you protect the ones you love the most. Remember to place your alarms in strategic places throughout your home, and don’t forget to keep up with their maintenance. Remember, smoke alarms truly do save lives!