Daylight Savings Time is a great reminder to check the batteries in your smoke detector at home and to evaluate your fire safety plan. In our blog, we examine why smoke detectors are important, where they should be located in your home and other top safety practices.
The Importance of the Smoke Detector
Smoke alarms are a critical factor in surviving a home fire. According to the National Fire Safety Protection Association (NFPA), roughly three out of five fire deaths happen in homes that either have no smoke alarms, or their alarms aren’t working. This is a startling statistic, but it highlights the absolute necessity of smoke alarms.
Smoke alarms provide families with the warning they need to safely evacuate from a burning home. In a house fire, every second counts.
What Kind of Smoke Detector Should I Install?
There are two kinds of smoke detectors, battery-operated and hardwired alarms with a battery backup. Some new technology also has carbon monoxide detection in addition to smoke. The NFPA agrees that ideally, interconnected smoke alarms are best because when one sounds, they all sound to alert everyone in the home.
For those who are hard of hearing or deaf, there are special alarms that include strobe lights and bed shakers.
Even if you have hard-wired smoke alarms, you need to replace the batteries every six months. Daylight Savings time is a good time to write on your calendar to change batteries in the smoke detectors in your home.
Where Should My Smoke Alarms Be Located?
The NFPA recommends having one smoke alarm in every bedroom in your home. In addition, they recommend that smoke alarms be located outside each bedroom and on every level of your home—including the basement. If your home is large, you may need more smoke detectors.
When you install the smoke detector, place it high on the wall or on the ceiling. You should make sure smoke alarms are at least 10 feet from the kitchen to avoid false alarms.
Change Batteries & Practice Escape Plans
As part of your home maintenance, you need to test your smoke detector every month. As mentioned before, change the batteries every six months. As you change batteries, take the time to review your family’s fire escape plan to make sure everyone knows the best ways to get out of every room.
At Raceway Electric, one of our top priorities is safety. If we can help you with any electrical need, please contact us!
