Are Your Home and Family Safe From a Fire?

11/29/2021 (Permalink)

Do you know how many smoke alarms you should have?

According to the Institution of Fire Engineers, homes in the United States have a significant lack of smoke alarms. For the safety and protection of your Briarcliff, GA, home, and family, ask yourself these questions and then take any corrective action as necessary for the fire alarm situation in your home:

Do You Know How Many Alarms You Should Have?

Experts recommend having a fire alarm installed in the hall outside bedrooms, inside each bedroom, and on each level of your home. This includes the basement. If you have a two-story home with a basement and three bedrooms, you should have a minimum of six alarms. For the best protection, install an alarm in rooms that have a higher risk of fire, such as the kitchen and garage.

How often should I replace the batteries in smoke alarms?

It's best to change the batteries in your alarms once or twice a year. The easiest way to remember this simple chore is to swap out old and new batteries when you change your clocks or on your birthday or during a summer and winter holiday. This is a quick and easy chore that helps you avoid fire and smoke damage.

How long do smoke alarms last?

Modern fire and smoke detectors have long lifespans but not as long as some homeowners think. Avoid a visit from fire damage cleanup and repair professionals by replacing your alarms every 8 to 10 years. Write the date of replacement on the back of the fire alarm with permanent ink, so you recognize that need for replacement when you change the batteries.

Which type of alarm is best?

There are multiple types of alarms: ionization, photoelectric, and alarms with both sensors. The United States Fire Administration recommends installing both ionization and photoelectric alarms in your home because they detect different types of fires.
You only have about three to four minutes to escape a home fire, even with working alarms. Without the notice provided by your fire alarm, your escape time will be much shorter. Take a few minutes right now to make sure your alarms are in proper working condition.