While we all have smoke alarms in our homes, we may not know how to make sure they will actually be effective in the event of a fire. And right now, as millions across the country are sheltered at home to prevent the spread of COVID-19, it’s more important than ever for every aspect of our homes to be in working order and to have smoke alarm safety. Whether you’re a seasoned fire alarm expert or not quite sure what your alarm is doing up there on the wall, it’s never a bad time to brush up on the basics.
To start, the National Fire Protection Association says “Smoke alarms are a key part of a home fire escape plan. When there is a fire, smoke spreads fast. Working smoke alarms give you early warning so you can get outside quickly.” Smoke alarms are potentially the most critical factor in saving lives in a fire. Roughly 3 out of 5 fire deaths occur in homes with no smoke alarms or with smoke alarms that are no longer working. Since they are so important, take a look at the tips below and review them in your homes and businesses to make sure that your alarms will work and help keep your families, residents, and loved ones safe.
Smoke Alarm Tips:
Install smoke alarms in every bedroom. They should also be outside each sleeping area and on every level of the home. Install alarms in the basement of your home.
Large homes may need additional smoke alarms for larger spaces.
It is best to use interconnected smoke alarms. This way when one smoke alarm sounds, they all sound. Most homes do not have this level of protection, but it’s highly recommended.
Test all smoke alarms at least once every 6 months. Press the test button to be sure the alarm is working.
Current alarms on the market employ different types of technology including multi-sensing, which could include smoke and carbon monoxide combined.
Today’s smoke alarms should be more technologically advanced to respond to a multitude of fire conditions while mitigating any false alarms.
A smoke alarm should be on the ceiling or high on a wall. Keep smoke alarms away from the kitchen to reduce false alarms. They should be at least 10-15 feet (3 meters) from the stove.
People who are hard-of-hearing or deaf can use special alarms. These alarms have strobe lights and bed shakers.
Replace all smoke alarms when they are 10 years old. All smoke alarms expire and need to be replaced.
FireAvert Prevents Kitchen Fires
We hope these smoke alarm safety tips are helpful during this time of self-isolation and social distancing. For an extra amount of precaution at home, working in tandem with your smoke alarms, installing a FireAvert in your kitchen will help prevent kitchen fires started from unattended cooking. We all may be cooking a lot more right now than we normally do, so making sure a pot left on the stove doesn’t result in property damage is the kind of peace of mind FireAvert can guarantee. For more information about our product, click here.
We hope you and your loved ones continue to be safe and well during this pandemic!