Have Functioning Smoke Alarms in Your Home to Stay Protected

11/19/2021 (Permalink)

Owning a home requires a lot of maintenance. It’s easy to remember cosmetic maintenance tasks such as washing windows, cleaning the house, or even changing air filters. For some reason, many homeowners who are otherwise diligent about home care overlook smoke alarms. While many homeowners know the value of smoke alarms, few take the time to make sure in working order, which can render an alarm useless. You can protect your home from fire with smoke alarms. Learn more about them and your home to stay protected.

Why have a smoke alarm in your home?

Smoke alarms play a critical role in protecting your home, your belongings, and your family. When properly installed, they can reduce the risk of fire injury by providing early detection. It can also help minimize damage to your home by providing early detection of smoke and fire, allowing for a faster reaction to the situation. The National Fire Protection Association recommends smoke alarms be installed in every bedroom, outside all sleeping quarters, and on every level of the house. Here are a few tips regarding smoke alarm installation, testing, and maintenance:

• Install smoke alarms on every level of the home, including the basement.
• Smoke alarms should be located away from the kitchen to prevent false alarms. (at least ten feet from a cooking appliance).
• Test smoke alarms at least once a month using the test button. Pick the same day each month to make it easy to remember
• Replace batteries in all smoke alarms annually. If an alarm beeps, the battery is low and should be replaced right away. Traditionally, the end of Daylight Saving Time has served as a reminder to change the batteries in your smoke detectors. 
• Replace all smoke alarms when they are 10 years old.

Are smoke alarms enough protection?

Smoke alarms work best when paired with a solid fire escape plan. A plan allows your family, including your family pets, to escape quickly and safely in an emergency. The Red Cross put together a helpful fire escape plan that homeowners can use and share with their families. While smoke alarms can’t prevent a fire, early detection can protect your family’s safety, alerting them to get out of the home quickly in case of fire, and possibly minimizing damage to the home by addressing the fire early and extinguishing it quickly.

If you experience a fire, contact SERVPRO

If you experience a fire in your home, contact a fire remediation company like SERVPRO of Central Phoenix once the flames are out to help address the damage done by fire, smoke, soot, and fire extinguishing materials used by the fire department. Our SERVPRO of Central Phoenix IICRC-Certified fire restoration technicians can help. We’ll address the damage and work to make your home look "Like it never even happened," addressing property damage as well as odors to help restore your home. If you experience a fire in your home, or have questions about fire, smoke, or soot damage, call SERVPRO of Central Phoenix at (602) 386-4268. We’re here 24/7 to help!