The Importance of Smoke Alarms

2/10/2020 (Permalink)

Smoke alarms play a vital role in saving lives, and when properly installed, can reduce the risk of fire injury in half.

The National Fire Protection Association recommends smoke alarms be installed in every bedroom, outside all sleeping quarters and on every level of the house.  Business owners should consult the local Fire Marshall to ensure specific building fire codes and smoke detector requirements are met.

Smoke alarms work best when paired with a fire escape plan.  A plan allows your family, employees or clients to escape quickly and safely in an emergency situation. 

Review the following tips regarding smoke detector installation and maintenance. Install smoke alarms on every level of the home, including the basement.

• Smoke alarms should be installed away from the kitchen to prevent false alarms.  Generally, they should be at least 10 feet from a cooking appliance.
• Test smoke alarms at least once a month using the test button.
• Replace batteries in all smoke alarms at least once a year.  We have found it useful to change the batteries when daylight savings time either begins or ends.  If an alarm "chirps," the battery is low and should be replaced right away.
• Replace all smoke alarms when they are 10 years old.

Just the Facts: Smoke Alarms

• Three out of five fire deaths occur in homes with no smoke alarms or when the alarms are not working
• Smoke alarm failures usually result from missing, disconnected, or dead batteries.
• More than one-third (37 percent) of home fire deaths result in faulty alarms. Smoke alarms play a vital role in saving lives, and when properly installed, can reduce the risk of fire injury in half.
• The risk of dying in a home fire is cut in half in homes with working smoke alarms.

SERVPRO of Baldwin County wants you and your family to be safe.  If you have a home or business fire, we are here for you and are a phone call away. 251-928-9625