According to the National Fire Protection Association, fires that took place in homes with no smoke alarms accounted for 38 percent of home fire deaths between 2009 and 2013. Another 21 percent of home fire deaths took place in homes where smoke alarms were present but did not operate, meaning that more than half of all home fire deaths occurred where alarms did not sound. These saddening statistics remind us just how important it is to have working smoke detectors in our homes. So how can you be sure that yours will sound during an emergency?
Install Alarms in the Right Places
Look around your home, taking count of how many smoke alarms you have and where they are located. Mounted high on the walls, there should be one in each bedroom, as well as an alarm outside of each sleeping area. Even if there are not bedrooms on that floor, there should be at least one smoke alarm on every level of your house, including the basement. This will help to ensure that no matter where a fire starts, your family will be warned and able to get out of your house safely.
Check Alarms Regularly
Just because you have your alarms installed in the right places doesn’t mean they are functioning properly. Make a habit of checking your smoke detectors with the test button every month. This way, you will be able to catch dead batteries and faulty alarms, maintaining the safety of your home and family.
Don’t Take Alarms Down
While it may be easier to pull the battery out of your smoke alarm and shove it in the back of a drawer when the kitchen gets smoky or the low battery alert won’t stop chirping, it is important not to take down your smoke alarms. Instead, open a window and waft kitchen smoke away, and keep a few spare batteries on hand for putting into your detectors when they go off. A fire alarm can’t help you unless it is on the wall and working!
Keeping your smoke detectors in good condition is just one step of keeping your family and home safe in case of a fire. Installing a sprinkler system is another great option to consider. Instead of waiting for the fire department to arrive, you can feel confident knowing that your system will quickly fight off any fire that springs up while you get to safety. To request an installation quote or to learn more about our systems, contact Rich Fire Protection online or by phone at 609-641-7776.
