Protect Your Family From Home Fires

7/17/2019 (Permalink)

Replace devices every 8-10 years

Protect Your Family From Home Fires

According to the Institution of Fire Engines, the majority of homes in the United States are missing a fire alarm or more. This is based on the group's visits to homes throughout the United States and in those homes, smoke detectors were either not working or were missing altogether. It's well-documented that working smoke and fire detectors are key to preventing injuries and death during a home fire. For the best results, these detectors should be placed

• Inside every bedroom
  
• Outside the bedrooms (i.e. in the hallway)
  
• On every level of the home, situated near stairways and kitchens
  
  

In addition to placing an adequate number of detectors throughout your home, it's crucial that batteries are replaced at least once or twice a year. It's best to test the batteries quarterly.

Replace Devices Every 8-10 Years

Fire alarm maintenance should include replacing the devices when they get old. Too many homeowners are vulnerable to smoke damage and fire damage because they don't replace old detectors. These devices are designed to last for about eight to ten years. It's easy to remember when to make a change if you note the date of purchase on the back of the alarm with a permanent marker.

A Variety of Detectors

You can avoid a lot of fire damage cleanup by installing multiple types of detectors in your home. There are two types of smoke detectors to consider: photoelectric alarms and ionization alarms. Photoelectric alarms are better at sensing a smoky fire, and ionization alarms are more sensitive to a fast-moving fire.

The Three-Minute Window

Many modern furnishings are made of materials that burn very hot and fast. This means you probably only have three or four minutes to get out of a burning home. Connected smoke alarms will wake you up even if the fire has started on another floor from your bedroom. Consider putting voice alarms in your children's rooms because studies have shown that most children sleep through alarms.
Don't neglect your fire alarm; protect your family and Timber Ridge, TN, home from fire damage with routine maintenance. Fire cleanup and remediation professionals in your area can focus their efforts on other remediation projects.